Safety
Section 06: System Safety & Functional Safety
Definition
The state in which risks associated with aviation activities, related to or in direct support of the operation of aircraft, are reduced and controlled to an acceptable level. In the context of aircraft certification, safety is achieved by demonstrating that the aircraft design meets quantitative and qualitative safety objectives established by the applicable airworthiness requirements. Safety is not the absence of risk but the management of risk to acceptable levels as defined by regulatory authorities.
Where This Shows Up
Safety is the overarching objective of the entire certification system. Every airworthiness regulation, every design standard, and every certification process exists to achieve an acceptable level of safety. The concept is inherently probabilistic — absolute safety (zero risk) is unachievable — so the certification framework defines what probability of failure and what severity of failure effect are acceptable.
Primary Sources
ICAO's overarching framework for safety management in aviation, defining safety and the safety management system concept.
Industry standard providing safety assessment methodology, including definitions of safety-related terms.
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.