Artifact Plans (Discipline-Level Plans)
Section 04: Certification Process Mechanics
Definition
Detailed plans prepared for specific technical disciplines or compliance activities within a certification project. Artifact plans describe the approach, methodology, test setups, analysis methods, and expected deliverables for a particular area of compliance demonstration. Examples include flight test plans, structural test plans, systems safety analysis plans, software development plans, lightning protection plans, and bird strike test plans. Each artifact plan is traceable to specific requirements in the compliance checklist.
Where This Shows Up
Artifact plans sit below the certification plan in the documentation hierarchy. While the certification plan describes the 'what' and 'when' at the program level, artifact plans describe the 'how' at the discipline level. They are typically reviewed and agreed with the authority before the associated compliance work begins.
Primary Sources
FAA guidance on discipline-specific compliance planning.
Related Terms
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