Why Hire a FAA DER?
Nobody likes to wait for things they need. Waiting can be a waste of time, and time is money. So some folks jump into their DO-254 or DO-178C programs blindly, trying to figure it out [...]
What’s Up with UAS (UAV) and eVTOL Certification?
One aspect of my job that I love is being engaged in new industry trends and contributing to the discussions and ultimately decisions (in the form of policy) that arise in these areas. It does [...]
Is it OK to Provide or Use Hardware COTS IP in Avionics Designs?
Today the use of intellectual property (IP) cores in hardware designs from all industries is ubiquitous. So the natural question is, is it allowed in DO-254 programs? And if yes, the next question is what [...]
Managing Problems with AMC/AC 20-189 for DO-178C or DO-254 programs
There’s been a lot of new policy documents in the last few years that modify and modernize how DO-254 and DO-178C are applied. Its usually for good reason. Not only has technology evolved but so [...]
What is the Impact of AMC /AC 20-152A on Your DO-254 Project?
On July 29, 2020, EASA released a long-awaited and very important document. Finally on October 7. 2022, the FAA followed suit. AMC/AC 20-152A ( which we’ve posted on our website here so you can easily find [...]
What are the Implications of Order 8110.105A?
As we’ve said before, the regulatory world is in constant flux. This is due to ongoing changes in technology as well as advancement and better understanding of safety-related aspects for aviation. With all these changes, [...]
What’s the Latest in DO-254 Policy?
The state of the regulatory world is in constant flux. This is especially true in the area of DO-254. Besides changes to the newly published FAA order 8110.105A and the EASA AMC 20-152A (see separate [...]
Tool Controlled Artifacts and Evidence
Section 7 of DO-254 tells us “The configuration management process is intended to provide the ability to consistently replicate the configuration item, regenerate the information if necessary and modify the configuration item in a controlled [...]
Preparing for AEH DO-254 SOI-3
Process Assurance is a really important role in a DO-254 program. (Likewise, Quality Assurance in a DO-178C program). If done well, it can save companies a lot of time and expense by making SOI audits [...]
Why Do Target Testing?
A common inquiry from applicants is whether they have to do target testing, and if so, why, and how much to do. RTCA/DO-254, along with FAA Order 8110.105A, both emphasize the expectation that the testing [...]
What the Heck is a “Top-Level Drawing” of an FPGA?
If you’re new to DO-254, and you’re reading the document you will stumble upon multiple references to a Top-Level Drawing. In the discussion of Detailed Design Data, you will be asked to create a Top-Level [...]
What are the Top 3 Types of Information Typically Missing from DO-178C and DO-254 Plans?
As a certification expert and auditor, I see my fair share of DO-178C and DO-254 plans. No matter where in the world, no matter the project DAL or team experience, I consistently see teams struggle [...]
