Category Archives: Quality Assurance

The 3D Experience: Avionics Software Design, Development and Data Coupling

Posted on by

Not every profession has to use three dimensions. Artists, musicians, writers, and tax attorneys alike usually only need to consider two planes of existence in their professional lives. But aerospace engineers and avionics professionals have a unique relationship with all dimensions. Dealing with all planes all the time (pun absolutely intended) is no small feat, and it’s especially important (and ironic) when working within a platform that only uses two dimensions: Avionics Software Design. So, for this article, we’re going to cover a different, non-spatial “3D;” let’s talk about the design, development and use of data coupling for Avionics software. Continue Reading > > >

Higher Standards: Best Avionics Software Quality Assurance Practices (Part 2)

Posted on by

Welcome to part 2 of our 2-part article series – Higher Standards: Best Avionics Software Quality Assurance Practices. If you haven’t read part 1 yet, we encourage you to do so whenever convenient, though we did our best to make sure both parts can fly solo, so to speak. That said, the articles make a phenomenally informative pair for comprehensively explaining the processes, procedures and best practices involved in Software Quality Assurance (SQA) for Avionics and Aerospace. In part 1, we discussed why SQA is such a crucial part of any avionics software development lifecycle, laid out the phases of Continue Reading > > >

Higher Standards: Best Avionics Software Quality Assurance Practices (Part 1)

Posted on by

In the age of internet dating and unprecedented restaurant closures, you might need to occasionally lower some standards to make the most of daily life. Generally, however, it’s always good to set standards high for your professional, personal, and yes, cuisine-related interests. One (professional) aspect of life where it’s always important to keep high standards: software quality assurance. A related aspect where the highest standards should be applied, and never lowered: Avionics software quality assurance. Without the proper quality assurance processes and practices in place, you run the risk of missing errors and flaws in your Avionics software’s design and Continue Reading > > >

The Importance of Avionics Software Project Planning

Posted on by

No matter the industry or role, planning is a crucial part of any task’s successful completion. Well thought-out, SMART-goal driven plans help set the scene for activities, letting every stakeholder “see” the desired outcome, and how, when and even why that outcome will be achieved. When it comes to avionics, a great plan and “sticking to it” will invariably make or break your project. In this article, we’re focusing on avionics software development and how to plan with DO-178C and related DALs in mind. We’ll start with a quick list of the primary components that every good DO-178C-related plan, and Continue Reading > > >

What is the Software SOI and how to pass EASA / FAA Audits?

Posted on by

SOIs are Stages of Involvements and are the minimum gates that a Certification Authority (EASA or FAA) gets involved in reviewing a system or sub-system. With respect to Software there are certain guidelines to know for successful results showing DO-178C compliance. Under FAA Review: Software Order 8110.49: SW Approval Guidelines SW Job Aid: Review Guidelines Under EASA Review: Software EASA CM – SWCEH – 002: SW Approval Guidelines General notes to consider: 80% similar process between FAA / EASA FAA uses DERs to assist or perform the Audits EASA uses Panel 10 (experts of SW & AEH) FAA uses Job Aids Continue Reading > > >