ASTM F3389 test offers a standardized approach for assessing the protection of people on the ground from sUA effects, particularly when the sUA configuration is under probable failure conditions. Based on methods researched by the FAA Center. The test result is intended to support an applicant in obtaining permission from the governing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for flight over people. The test methods build on extensive research and testing, with passenger safety and the aircraft’s effects as the top priorities. ASTM F3389, apart from being used in the aviation industry, is intended to be used by sUAS manufacturers, sUAS operators, and CAAs.
ASTM F3389 Standard Test Method for Assessing the Safety of Small Unmanned Aircraft Impacts
What is ASTM F3389?
What is the Scope of ASTM F3389 Testing?
The ASTM F3889 test method is used on sUAs (Small Unmanned Aircraft), a standardized method for assessing the safety of sUAs impacting a person on the ground, providing a framework for safety to people on the ground during operations. For the test, the applicants can choose any one of the three prescribed methods.
ASTM F3389 Sample Preparation Guide
The requirement for the test in ASTM F3389 is a small uncrewed aircraft (sUA) limited in the United States according to the regulations and is less than 55 lbs.
ASTM F3389 Testing Procedures and Requirements
There are three sets of tests in ASTM F3389, i.e., Methods A, B, and C. Method A is a verification that the sUA or sUA with mitigation does not exceed a certain force impact at a certain height throughout its flight. Methods B and C characterize the forces (measured in on-head acceleration) that occur during a head impact as a function of sUA. For Method B, the test result is compared to the minimum impact energy resulting in a skull fracture, based solely on peak acceleration, to determine the impact. Lastly, Method C testing is more rigorous and may correlate with other standards for both head and neck injury. All three tests are pertinent to determining whether the sUA is sufficiently safe to operate while people are on board and people are on the ground.
ASTM F3389 Analysis Results and Interpretation
The values stated in either International System (SI) units or inch-pound units should be regarded separately as standard. The values given in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; each system must therefore be used independently of the other.
Updated on August 20, 2026
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