Significance and Use
3.1 The intent of this document is to streamline the approval process. The objective is to permit a new fuel or additive to be evaluated and transitioned into field use in a cost effective and timely manner.
3.2 Its purpose is to guide the sponsor of a new fuel or new fuel additive through a clearly defined approval process that includes the prerequisite testing and required interactions with the engine and airframe manufacturers; standards organizations; and airworthiness agencies such as the FAA and EASA. This practice provides a basis for calculating the volume of additive or fuel required for assessment, insight into the cost associated with taking a new fuel or new fuel additive through the approval process, and a clear path forward for introducing a new technology for the benefit of the aviation community.
3.3 This process may also be used to assess the impact of changes to fuels due to changes in production methods and/or changes during transportation. An example is assessment of incidental materials on fuel properties. In the context of Practice D4054, incidental materials shall be considered as an additive.
Scope
1.1 This practice covers and provides a framework for the qualification and approval of new fuels and new fuel additives for use in commercial and military aviation gas turbine engines. The practice was developed as a guide by the aviation gas-turbine engine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with ASTM International member support. The OEMs are solely responsible for approval of a fuel or additive in their respective engines and airframes. For the purpose of this guide, “approval” means “permission to use;” it is not an endorsement of any kind. Standards organizations such as ASTM International (Subcommittee D02.J0), United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, and the U.S. Military list only those fuels and additives that are mutually acceptable to all OEMs. ASTM International and OEM participation in the evaluation or approval procedure does not constitute an endorsement of the fuel or additive.
1.2 The OEMs will consider a new fuel or additive based on an established need or benefit attributed to its use. Upon OEM and regulatory authority approval, the fuel or fuel additive may be listed in fuel specifications such as Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Service Bulletin No. 2016; General Electric Aviation (GE) Specification No. D50TF2; and Rolls Royce (RR) engine manuals. Subsequent to OEM approval and industry (ASTM) review and ballot, the fuel or fuel additive may be listed in fuel specifications such as Specification D1655, Defence Standard 91-91, United States Air Force MIL-DTL-83133, and the United States Navy MIL-DTL-5624. This qualification and approval process has been coordinated with airworthiness and certification groups within each company, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
1.3 Units of measure throughout this practice are stated in International System of Units (SI) unless the test method specifies non-SI units.
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
