1. Introduction
Certification specifications for Light Sport Aeroplanes (CS-LSA) define the strength requirements for the Light Sport aircraft and confirm the importance of the fatigue analysis [1].
The trend currently exists to monitor metal fatigue by Structural Health Monitoring Systems. This approach is on the way to be implemented into contemporary large planes. There are many reasons to use fatigue monitoring for small planes as well. Taking into account the limitation of the weight for this category of aircraft, the described here miniature autonomous fatigue indicator looks a prospective alternative to the complex monitoring systems.
Another problem of light planes is an operational overstress of principal structural elements. Sometimes these planes are not equipped with an accelerometer. Overstress of the plane components due to the incorrect flight regime can lead to the primary structure deformation, and even to the aircraft crash.
One fatal accident [2] with Cessna 210L Centurion was investigated but the final precise decision regarding the cause of the aircraft fracture was not made. The presence of the overstress indicator would clarify the situation and develop some recommendations for pilots and engineers.