RTCA Standards Documents
RTCA issues Minimum Operating Performance Standards (MOPS) documents, Minimum Aviation Systems Performance Standards (MASPS) documents and Process and Guidance documents.
Regulators all over the world call out RTCA MASPS for implementing technologies in their airspaces. ICAO documents call out RTCA’s MASPS to help companies understand both the intended function of a technology and assist CAAs in determining how to integrate new technologies while maintaining airspace safety. RTCA MOPS documents are used to support Technical Standard Order (TSO) functions. Guidance documents can be used by aviation industries to better understand existing standards and the paths to certification. RTCA documents help the aviation industry produce consistent, high quality avionics. All documents are written by consensus of committee members who come from industry, regulators and academia.
RTCA Documents
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Minimum Operational Performance standards provide baseline requirements for manufacturers and customers of avionics equipment. A MOPS focuses on the functional performance and avoids being prescriptive to provide manufacturers with the maximum design space while preserving the safety of the airspace. MOPS are often called out by the FAA, EASA and other regulators to support the approval of a Technical Standing Order for a function. Compliance to a MOPS is evaluated by your regulator.
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Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards define the intended functions of a technology and identify the impacts, good and bad, of integrating that function. MASPS may be referenced from a MOPS or an Advisory Circular from the FAA, a SARPS from ICAO or other regulators. Compliance to a MASPS is evaluated by your regulator.
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Several types of guidance documents are produced by RTCA special committees to provide additional context to aviation technology and integration issues. Guidance documents are not generally evaluated for compliance, but instead provide valuable information for new entrants or expansion into new technologies.
Globally Harmonized Standards
RTCA’s committees, working in conjunction with EUROCAE’s working groups, create integrated performance standards that meet the changing global aviation environment and ensure the safety, security, and overall health of the aviation ecosystem.
Need to Certify a Product?
FAA defines the Airworthiness Certification process here.
FAQs
Does RTCA certify products?
RTCA does not certify products.
Does RTCA have a recommendation for where I can conduct testing for my products?
RTCA doesn’t endorse any particular testing labs.
What specific documents referenced in FAA’s certification requirements does RTCA supply?
Many RTCA standards are referenced in FAA’s advisory circulars and are foundational to aerospace. Our most popular Standards include:
DO-160() – Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment
DO-178() – Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification
DO-326() – Airworthiness Security Process Specification
DO-356() – Airworthiness Security Methods and Considerations
