Plan for Software Aspects of Certification
PSACSection 08: Software Certification (DO-178C)
Definition
The primary planning document for software certification, submitted to and agreed upon by the certification authority. The PSAC describes the system overview, software overview, certification considerations, software lifecycle processes, software lifecycle data, schedule, and any means of compliance deviations or alternative methods. It identifies the software items, their software levels, the applicable DO-178C objectives, the software lifecycle processes that will be used, the tools that require qualification, and any previously developed or COTS software that will be used. The PSAC is the certification authority's primary reference for understanding and overseeing the software development effort.
Where This Shows Up
The PSAC is typically the first software lifecycle document reviewed by the certification authority and is the basis for the software certification audit plan. It establishes the 'contract' between the applicant and the authority regarding what will be done and how compliance will be demonstrated. Changes to the PSAC require coordination with the certification authority. The PSAC is one of the key documents reviewed at SOI #1 (Stage of Involvement 1).
Primary Sources
Defines the content and purpose of the PSAC.
FAA guidance on the review and acceptance of the PSAC by certification engineers.
Artifacts Produced
The planning document submitted to the certification authority describing the software certification approach.
Related Terms
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.