FAA ORDER 8110.49, SOFTWARE APPROVAL GUIDELINES (03 JUN 2003)
FAA ORDER 8110.49, SOFTWARE APPROVAL GUIDELINES (03 JUN 2003)., This order guides Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) field offices and
Designated Engineering Representatives (DER) on how to apply RTCA/DO-178B, “Software
Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification,” for approving software used
in airborne computers. Advisory Circular (AC) 20-115B, “RTCA, Inc. Document
RTCA/DO-178B,” recognizes RTCA/DO-178B as an acceptable means of compliance for
securing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approval of software in airborne systems
and equipment. This order establishes guidelines for approving software in compliance with
RTCA/DO-178B. The guidelines are applicable to the approval of airborne systems and
equipment and the software aspects of those systems related to type certificates (TC),
supplemental type certificates (STC), amended type certificates (ATC), amended supplemental
type certificates (ASTC), and technical standard order (TSO) authorizations.