Compliance Checklist (Compliance Matrix)

Section 04: Certification Process Mechanics

Definition

A comprehensive document that lists every applicable regulation in the certification basis and tracks the status of compliance demonstration for each requirement. The compliance checklist (or compliance matrix) identifies for each regulation: the applicability determination, the selected means of compliance, the associated compliance document(s), the status of the compliance finding, and the responsible engineer or organization. It serves as the master tracking tool for the entire compliance demonstration effort.

Where This Shows Up

The compliance checklist is the central management artifact of a certification project. It provides a complete picture of what must be shown, how it will be shown, and whether it has been shown. The project is complete when every applicable line item in the checklist has a positive compliance finding.

Primary Sources

FAA Order 8110.4, Chapter 4FAA

FAA guidance on the use of compliance checklists in type certification.

Related Terms

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