RTCA Introduces New Training Program to Assist with Electronic Hardware Certification on Airplanes

RTCA invites you to attend its new training class on the application of DO-254, Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware.

DO-254, first published in April 2000, provides a process, through which complex electronic hardware can be certified on airplanes. By following the guidance and procedures contained in DO-254, developers can be assured that the hardware they design performs its intended functions, and that it meets all applicable airworthiness requirements. RTCA’s training class has been designed to complement the material contained in this publication, by showing students how to make ultimate use of the DO-254 process for programmable logic devices.

A sample of the topics to be covered during the three-day class includes:

Development lifecycles and how to manage the development process

• How to plan hardware development
• How to validate and verify devices
• How to address previously developed hardware
• How to assess and document COTS devices
• How to assess a tool for qualification
• How to write device requirements

In addition, the entire last day of the class focuses on programmable logic device examples and exercises related to requirements, design, implementation, and verification for Airborne Electronic Hardware.

Already, over 2500 copies of DO-254 have been purchased and/or downloaded from RTCA. DO-254 training is RTCA’s second foray into the area of providing an additional classroom component to the recommendations contained in our publications. Since 2001, RTCA has offered training in support of RTCA DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification. To date, approximately 400 people have attended these training sessions. RTCA expects the same level of success and enthusiasm will greet our newest training offering. RTCA has contracted with Avionyx, Inc. to provide DO-254 training.

You can register for DO-254 training directly from the RTCA web site at www.rtca.org. Just click on the RTCA Training link located on the home page.

Questions about either of the training programs should be directed to RTCA Program Director, Mr. Rudy Ruana. Mr. Ruana can be reached directly at 202-833-9339, ext. 19 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

RTCA, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation that develops consensus-based recommendations for the aviation community. The work we perform is used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the basis for policy, program, and regulatory decisions and by the private sector as the basis for development, investment and other business decisions.