SAE ARP4754B — Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems

ARP4754B

Section 07: The Big Standards Map

Definition

An SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice that provides guidelines for the development of civil aircraft and systems, considering the overall aircraft operating environment and functions. ARP4754B defines the aircraft and system development process, including planning, requirements capture, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, configuration management, quality assurance, and certification liaison. It establishes the framework for assigning Development Assurance Levels (DALs) to functions, systems, and items based on failure condition severity, and describes the integral processes (safety assessment, requirements management, validation) that support development assurance.

Where This Shows Up

ARP4754B sits at the top of the development assurance standards hierarchy. It provides the system-level process within which DO-178C (software) and DO-254 (hardware) operate. ARP4754B ensures that the safety assessment process (ARP4761A) is integrated with the development process, and that safety requirements flow down correctly to hardware and software items. It is recognized by FAA (via AC 20-174) and EASA (via AMC 20-152A) as an acceptable means of compliance for system development assurance.

Primary Sources

SAE ARP4754B (2023) — Guidelines for Development of Civil Aircraft and Systems

The primary standard document. Revision B updated Revision A with enhanced guidance on system development processes, validation, and integration with safety assessment.

FAA AC 20-174 — Development of Civil Aircraft and SystemsFAA

FAA Advisory Circular recognizing ARP4754B as an acceptable means for system development assurance.

EASA AMC 20-152A — Development of Civil Aircraft and SystemsEASA

EASA acceptable means of compliance referencing ARP4754B.

Across Jurisdictions

FAA (United States)

AC 20-174

FAA recognizes ARP4754B as an acceptable means for demonstrating system development assurance. Compliance with ARP4754B is expected for certification of systems at DAL A through C.

EASA (Europe)

AMC 20-152A

EASA references ARP4754B through AMC 20-152A. EASA may additionally reference the EUROCAE equivalent ED-79B.

EASA's AMC 20-152A may include additional European-specific guidance beyond the base ARP4754B standard.

TCCA (Canada)

TCCA generally follows the FAA's recognition of ARP4754B through bilateral agreements and harmonized guidance.

Related Terms

SAE ARP4761A — Guidelines and Methods for Conducting the Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne Systems and Equipment (ARP4761A)RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C — Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification (DO-178C)RTCA DO-254 / EUROCAE ED-80 — Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware (DO-254)Development Assurance Level (DAL)Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA)

Need help navigating certification?

Understanding the terminology is the first step. If you need expert guidance on DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754B, or any aspect of FAA, EASA, or TCCA certification, our team is here to help.