Selecting Instruments and Methods for Measuring Air Quality in Aircraft Cabins

D6399-18: Standard Guide for Selecting Instruments and Methods for Measuring Air Quality in Aircraft Cabins

Ensuring optimal air quality within aircraft cabins is paramount for passenger comfort and crew health, directly impacting the operational integrity and reputation of the aerospace industry. For engineers and designers tasked with this critical responsibility, selecting the correct instrumentation and measurement methodologies is a complex undertaking. ASTM International's Standard Guide for Selecting Instruments and Methods for Measuring Air Quality in Aircraft Cabins (D6399-18) provides an essential framework to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is D6399-18?

D6399-18 is an authoritative standard developed by ASTM International that offers comprehensive guidance for selecting appropriate instruments and methodologies to assess air quality specifically within aircraft passenger and crew cabins. Its primary purpose is to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to identify, measure, and evaluate airborne contaminants relevant to human health and comfort in this unique environment, fostering informed decision-making for air quality management.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading guide governs the selection process for instrumentation and test methods used to measure chemical contaminants in aircraft cabins, including areas accessible only to flight crews. It assumes a pre-existing understanding of potential airborne pollutants. The standard focuses on establishing data quality objectives (DQOs) related to detection limits, precision, and bias for identified analytes, and provides summaries of available measurement technologies. Notably, D6399-18 does not cover bioaerosols, specific instrument operation, monitoring strategy design (e.g., sampling frequency or placement), or the assessment of material degradation.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Aerospace engineers, environmental engineers, air quality specialists, aviation safety inspectors, and test technicians.
• • Industries affected: Aerospace, aviation, air transportation operations, aircraft manufacturing, and air quality consulting firms.
• • Compliance nature: This is a voluntary standard, but its adoption is highly recommended for best practices and due diligence.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically driven by internal company policies, contractual requirements, and industry best practices rather than direct regulatory enforcement, though it can inform regulatory compliance efforts.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires professionals to first identify potential air pollutants of interest and establish "levels of concern" for each. Key provisions include developing proven data quality objectives, such as defining acceptable detection limits, precision, and bias for the chosen measurement methods. Professionals must ensure that the selected instruments and methods are suitable for the specific analytes and anticipated concentration ranges within the aircraft cabin environment. Furthermore, users are expected to possess a foundational understanding of air pollutant measurement principles and toxicology.

Related Standards & References

D6399-18 complements other ASTM standards such as ASTM D1356, which provides essential terminology for air sampling and analysis, ensuring a common language for technical discussions. It also relates to standards like ASTM D6245 for evaluating indoor air quality and ventilation using carbon dioxide concentrations, and potentially ASTM D7034 for deriving acceptable airborne chemical contaminant levels based on health and comfort considerations, offering a comprehensive approach to cabin air quality management.