ASTM F3758-26
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Summary
1.1 In this guide, analysis methods are provided supporting the redistribution of aircraft functions between a human pilot and aircraft systems.
Note 1: The analysis methods presented in this guide do not represent a means or method of compliance to any specific regulation. In this standard, guidance is provided on methods and tools that can be used to help facilitate regulator familiarization of highly autonomous aircraft as well as support systems engineering activities, for example, requirements elicitation.
1.2 These methods scale from the individual system functions to a collection of functions that comprise a complex operational activity (for example, providing air transportation service between Points A and B).
1.3 In this guide, a human pilot in command (PIC), either onboard or otherwise, is assumed. The roles, system authority, and functions allocated to the PIC versus those allocated to the aircraft systems are determined by the analysis.
Note 2: The task group did not explicitly consider m:N operations during the creation of this guide. The functional analysis and the associated example in Appendix X1 were both driven by an implicit assumption of one human PIC in charge of one aircraft at any given time. However, an applicant may find the guidance in this guide to be partially or completely applicable to m:N operations based on their own judgment and consideration.
Note 3: Multi-vehicle control or m:N operations refers to the control of multiple UAS by one remote operator or remote pilot-in-command. The term is adopted from Aubuchon et al. (Ref (1))
1.4 Guidance in this standard is not given for what responsibilities should or should not be allocated to autonomous or automated systems. Rather, it provides a means by which the responsibilities and tasks allocated to a given agent can be understood and analyzed. This analysis may be used to support functional and operational hazard analyses as well as to better understand whether a given agent’s authority is commensurate with the responsibilities assigned to that agent.
1.5 In this guide, guidance is not provided for cyber security considerations for onboard equipment or command and control links.
Note 4: The aviation industry has been automating aircraft and system functions for many decades. Automation, such as autopilots, have increased the safety of aircraft and reduced pilot workload. When establishing the certification basis and accepting means of compliance for these systems, it is important the regulators understand the role of any such automation. However, as the industry moves to more complex, highly autonomous vehicles, the role of automation and the transition between these systems and the pilots (onboard or remote) in normal and under failure conditions can become harder to explain. This guide builds upon the conventional methods that have been successfully used for aircraft systems and equipment and provides guidance on additional methods and tools that can be used to explain the role of automation plays and roles provided by the pilot on highly autonomous aircraft.
1.6 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Significance and Use:
5.1 The analysis methods in this guide produce data deliverables that may be used to inform:
5.1.1 Technical familiarization (FAA Order 8110.4C, Section 2-3c) discussions with the certifying authority by means of providing a standardized contextual framework and vocabulary for addressing increasingly autonomous systems.
5.1.2 Such deliverables include descriptions of the system that provide the different stakeholders, for example, certifying authority, ground and flight crew, air traffic, designers, and safety engineers, with sufficient information to assess the design of the system.
5.1.3 Additionally, the deliverables produced through the use of this guide may support the systems engineering process through which such a system will be adopted into the aircraft development.
Technical characteristics
| Publisher | American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International) |
| Publication Date | 02/15/2026 |
| Collection | |
| Page Count | 18 |
| EAN | --- |
| ISBN | --- |
| Weight (in grams) | --- |
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