AC 20-115 explained

Airborne Software Development Assurance Using EUROCAE and RTCA
Year Started:1982
Version:D
Abbreviation:AC 20-115
Domain:Aviation safety
Website:FAA

The Advisory Circular AC 20-115, Airborne Software Development Assurance Using EUROCAE and RTCA (previously Airborne Software Assurance), recognizes[1] the RTCA published standard DO-178 as defining a suitable means for demonstrating compliance for the use of software within aircraft systems.[2] The present revision D of the circular identifies ED-12/DO-178 Revision C as the active revision of that standard and particularly acknowledges the synchronization of ED-12 and DO-178 at that revision.

This Advisory Circular calls attention to ED-12C/DO-178C as "an acceptable means, but not the only means," to secure FAA approval of software. The earliest revisions of the Advisory Circular were brief, serving little more than to call attention to active DO-178 revisions. The Advisory Circular revisions C and D are considerably longer, giving guidance in modifying and re-using software previously approved using DO-178, DO-178A, or DO-178B (preceding revisions of the DO-178 standard). Additionally, the expanded AC now provides guidance for Field Loadable Software and User Modifiable Software within aircraft software. Transition of legacy tool qualification from DO-178B to DO-330 is also discussed, with comparison of ED-12B/DO-178B Tool Qualification Type with ED-12C/ED-215 DO-178C/DO-330 Tool Qualification Level.[3]

Revision History

History of AC 20-115! Revision !! Year !! Summary
AC 20-1151982Called attention to RTCA DO-178.[4]
AC 20-115A1986Called attention to RTCA DO-178A.[5]
AC 20-115B1993Called attention to RTCA DO-178B.[6]
AC 20-115C2013Calls attention to RTCA DO-178C[7] w/guidance for Rev B to Rev C change.[8]
AC 20-115D2017Minor updates largely to harmonize with EASA guidance.[9] [10] [11]
Additional Guidance for Field Loadable Software and for User Modifiable Software.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Developing Safety-Critical Software: A Practical Guide for Aviation Software and DO-178C Compliance . Leanna Rierson . 9781351834056 . 7 January 2013 . 19 December 2017 . 2024-04-10 . . 49 . The recognition typically comes in the form of an Advisory Circular (AC) for the FAA and equivalent advisory materials by other certification authorities. .
  2. Book: Cary Spitzer . Uma Ferrell . Thomas Ferrell . Digital Avionics Handbook, Avionics, Development and Implementation . 3rd . . Boca Raton, FL . 2015 . 12-2 . 978-1138076983 . Advisory circular (AC) 20-115B specifies DO-178B as an acceptable means, but not the only means, for receiving regulatory approval for software in systems or equipment being certified under a [TSO, TC or STC]. .
  3. https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-115C.pdf AC 20-115C
  4. Web site: Advisory Circulars . Aviation Impact Reform . March 28, 2018. – List of ACs made from the Special Collections of the United States Department of Transportation Library (AC's from 1982 / AC's from 1986)
  5. Master of Science . Malvern J. Atherton . System Theoretic Framework for Assuring Safety and Dependability of Highly Integrated Aero Engine Control Systems . 16 . It refers to AC 20-115A (superseded by B), which itself identifies DO-178B as defining a suitable means for demonstrating compliance for the use of software within aircraft systems. . 2005 . Massachusetts Institute of Technology . 24 Jan 2016 .
  6. http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/list/AC%2020-115B/$FILE/AC20-115B.pdf AC 20-115B
  7. Book: Cary Spitzer . Uma Ferrell . Thomas Ferrell . Digital Avionics Handbook, Avionics, Development and Implementation . 3rd . . Boca Raton, FL . 2015 . 13–9 . 978-1138076983 . The FAA formally recognized DO-178C, DO-330, and the three technical supplements via Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115C in July 2013. .
  8. https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-115C.pdf AC 20-115C
  9. https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-115D.pdf AC 20-115D
  10. Web site: Harmonised Software EASA AMC and FAA AC 20-115D have been published! . www.easa.europa.eu . 24 Oct 2017 . 2022-07-01 . It paves the way towards more harmonisation and mutual recognition of each other’s activities in the domain of Software aspects of certification. .
  11. S.L. Fuller . October 24, 2017 . Aviation Today . EASA Publishes Means of Compliance Materials for Software Alongside FAA . 2022-07-01 . This publication is a result of two years of work with the FAA and U.S. and European industry associations, EASA said. ... It has been issued simultaneously with FAA AC 20-115D, which EASA said is technically identical. .

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