scope:

PURPOSE.

This notice provides guidelines to Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) engineers and to Designated Engineering Representatives (DER) regarding the application of RTCA/DO-178B, "Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification," to the qualification of software verification and development tools. Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115B, "RTCA, Inc. Document RTCA/DO-178B" recognizes DO-178B as an acceptable means of compliance for securing the FAA's approval of software in airborne systems and equipment. Section 12:2 of DO-178B addresses tool qualification; however, the Section 12.2 criteria are often misinterpreted and result in inconsistent application in the field. This notice clarifies the application of DO-178B in the area of tool qualification but does not change the intent of DO-178B in this area. The guidelines in this notice should be used in applying the criteria in DO- 178B for the qualification of tools.