scope:

PURPOSE.

This order guides Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) field offices and Designated Engineering Representatives (DER) on how to apply RTCA/DO-178B, "Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification," for approving software used in airborne computers. Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115B, "RTCA, Inc. Document RTCA/DO-178B," recognizes RTCA/DO-178B as an acceptable means of compliance for securing the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) approval of software in airborne systems and equipment. This order establishes guidelines for approving software in compliance with RTCA/DO-178B. The guidelines are applicable to the approval of airborne systems and equipment and the software aspects of those systems related to type certificates (TC), supplemental type certificates (STC), amended type certificates (ATC), amended supplemental type certificates (ASTC), and technical standard order (TSO) authorizations.