AC 20-115
{{Infobox technology standard
| title = Airborne Software Development Assurance Using EUROCAE {{nowrap|ED-12( )}} and RTCA {{nowrap|DO-178( )}}
| image = US-FederalAviationAdmin-Seal.svg
| caption = FAA Publication
| status =
| year_started = 1982
| version = D
| predecessor = C
| versionDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017}}
| organization = Federal Aviation Administration
| abbreviation = AC 20-115
| domain = Aviation safety
| website = [https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1032046 FAA]
}}
The Advisory Circular AC 20-115( ), Airborne Software Development Assurance Using EUROCAE {{nowrap|ED-12( )}} and RTCA {{nowrap|DO-178( )}} (previously Airborne Software Assurance), recognizes{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=nAlEDwAAQBAJ |title= Developing Safety-Critical Software: A Practical Guide for Aviation Software and DO-178C Compliance |author= Leanna Rierson |isbn= 9781351834056 |orig-date= 7 January 2013 |date= 19 December 2017 |access-date= 2024-04-10 |publisher= CRC Press |page= 49 |quote= The recognition typically comes in the form of an Advisory Circular (AC) for the FAA and equivalent advisory materials by other certification authorities. }} the RTCA published standard DO-178 as defining a suitable means for demonstrating compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations for the use of software within aircraft systems.{{cite book |editor=Cary Spitzer |editor2=Uma Ferrell |editor3=Thomas Ferrell |title= Digital Avionics Handbook, Avionics, Development and Implementation |edition= 3rd |publisher= CRC Press |location= Boca Raton, FL |year= 2015 |page= 12-2 |isbn=978-1138076983 |quote= 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]. }} 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.[https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_20-115C.pdf AC 20-115C], FAA, 2013. "This AC also establishes guidance for transitioning to DO-178C when making modifications to software previously approved using DO-178, DO-178A, or DO-178B."
Revision History
== References ==
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== External links ==
- [https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1032046 AC 20-115D, Airborne Software Assurance]
Category:Software requirements
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