Avionics News January 2014 - 54

industry

NCATT Becomes Part of
ASTM International
S T O R Y

B Y

T H O M A S

n October, ASTM International announced that the
National Center for Aerospace and Transportation
Technologies would become part of ASTM International,
and ASTM, via NCATT, would begin personnel certification
programs for aviation and aerospace technicians.
Located in Conshohocken, Penn., ASTM International is
recognized worldwide as a leader in the development and
delivery of international voluntary consensus standards.
Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and
Materials, the organization was founded in 1898, when it
was known as the American
Section of the International
Association for Testing
Materials. From its original
headquarters in Philadelphia,
the organization initially
drafted specifications for
steel. Notably, the steel standard A 7, which was developed near the turn of the 20th
century, wasn't discontinued until 1967. ASTM does not
consider any standard to be "set in stone." The organization
revisits and revises standards to keep them current, which
makes them long lasting.
During the early part of the 20th century, ASTM's scope
grew beyond steel. The organization expanded into cement
and clay products. In 1910, ASTM published its first book
of standards. As the century progressed, ASTM became
involved in standards development for many industries,
including highway transportation, petrochemicals, electronics and aerospace technology.
ASTM introduced emergency standards to support World
War II efforts. After the war, the organization played a role in
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avionics news

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2014

I N M A N

the growth of cities and suburbs with standards on building
codes and construction.
During the latter half of the 20th century, ASTM
continued to expand and diversify, opening a center
in Europe, and launching Internet-based Electronics
Standards Development Forums.
By 1993, ASTM had expanded to include proficiency
testing. As the 20th century drew to a close, the organization
had become involved in such diverse activities as advanced
ceramics, fire standards, clothing sizing, wetlands, petroleum, plastics, paint, and of
course, steel. This expansion
has continued into this century.
In 2001, ASTM changed its
name to ASTM International
to reflect worldwide participation in the development
and use of its standards. True to its international name and
reputation, in 2005, the organization opened an office in
China.
To expand awareness of standards at the university level,
ASTM established a student membership category in 2003.
ASTM conducts student paper competitions, recognizes professors and librarians, and awards scholarships and project
grants. In addition, the organization provides many products
and services to both students and professors.
Recently, organizations within the aviation industry asked
ASTM International to form a committee to help the Federal
Aviation Administration's Part 23 Aviation Rulemaking
Committee. In response, ASTM formed Committee F44.
Greg Bowles, director of engineering and manufacturing at

Avionics News January 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News January 2014