RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification
DO-178CSection 07: The Big Standards Map
Definition
The primary guidance document used by certification authorities and industry for the development of airborne software. DO-178C defines the objectives, activities, and design considerations for software that performs functions in airborne systems and equipment. It establishes a framework of software lifecycle processes, planning, requirements, design, coding, integration, verification, configuration management, quality assurance, and certification liaison, with objectives that scale based on the software level (DAL A through E). DO-178C replaced DO-178B in 2011, adding technology-specific supplements and clarifying objectives.
Where This Shows Up
DO-178C is the most widely referenced software certification standard in civil aviation worldwide. Compliance with DO-178C objectives is the accepted means of obtaining certification credit for airborne software. The standard does not mandate specific methods or tools but defines objectives that must be satisfied. Four technology-specific supplements provide additional guidance: DO-330 (tool qualification), DO-331 (model-based development), DO-332 (object-oriented technology), and DO-333 (formal methods). The EUROCAE equivalent is ED-12C.
Practical scope and decisions
RTCA DO-178C and EUROCAE ED-12C define objectives and lifecycle evidence used to support approval of airborne software. The applicable software level and certification plan determine which objectives, independence, and evidence expectations apply.
Who it applies to
- Airborne software applicants and suppliers
- Systems and software engineering teams
- Verification, quality, and configuration-management teams
- Certification authorities and authorized representatives
Questions it helps answer
- What software level applies to each function
- How plans address the applicable objectives
- What lifecycle data and traceability must be produced
- How tool, model-based, object-oriented, or formal-method supplements apply
This overview supports scoping and research; it is not a substitute for the current regulation, approved data, or authority direction for a specific project.
Primary Sources
The primary document defining software development and verification objectives for airborne software.
FAA Advisory Circular recognizing DO-178C as an acceptable means for airborne software development assurance.
EASA acceptable means of compliance referencing DO-178C / ED-12C for airborne software.
Artifacts Produced
Key planning document describing how the applicant intends to satisfy DO-178C objectives for a specific software project.
Across Jurisdictions
AC 20-115D
FAA recognizes DO-178C as the primary means for airborne software development assurance. Software approval is obtained by demonstrating compliance with DO-178C objectives appropriate to the software level.
AMC 20-115D
EASA recognizes the EUROCAE equivalent ED-12C. DO-178C and ED-12C are technically identical documents published by RTCA and EUROCAE respectively.
No technical differences between DO-178C and ED-12C. Administrative differences in how EASA references the document versus how FAA references it.
TCCA recognizes DO-178C through its harmonization with FAA guidance and bilateral agreements.