There’s a new RTCA DO 178 Revision C, “Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification.” Compliance with the objectives of DO-178C is the primary means of obtaining approval of software used in civil aviation products. It provides recommendations for the production of software for airborne systems and equipment to insure that software performs its intended function with a level of confidence in safety that complies with airworthiness requirements.
The new Revision C includes updates to address new software methodologies and technologies not addressed by DO-178B. DO-178C was released with four supplements that address emerging software trends and technologies, specifically: software tool qualification considerations, model-based design, object-oriented design, and formal methods of certification.
These documents were created by RTCA SC-205 (together with EUROCAE WG-71), a DO-178C working group which includes worldwide members from industry and government agencies. DO-178C supplements include: DO-330, DO-331, DO-332, and DO-333.
DO-178 is the guidance document recommended by the FAA to ensure software will perform safely and reliably in an airborne system. Advisory Circular AC 20-115B specifies DO-178 as an acceptable means, but not the only means, for receiving regulatory approval for software in systems or equipment being certified under a Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization, Type Certificate (TC), or Supplemental Type Certificate (STC).
Even though DO-178 is written as a guideline, it has become the standard practice within the industry. DO-178 is officially recognized as a de facto international standard by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Get your copy of this new standard from Document Center Inc. You can order online at www.document-center.com, or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re available in person from 6 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, California time.
