5.

13 SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT CONTROL

AIM
Awareness of restrictions using the software for aircraft Airworthiness requirements and approval procedure Possible catastrophic effects of unapproved changes to software programs

INTRODUCTION
Computer software used to drive many type of system in aircraft Cant let it fail during operation Need to evaluate, test, verify to specific requirement, fail safe design To prevent failure to the aircraft and passenger.

APPLICATION OF SOFTWARE
Some example are: primary and secondary flight controls engine controls electrical generation and distribution brakes radio and navigation equipment flight instruments automatic flight control

SOFTWARE LIFECYCLE
Initiation Requirement Design Code, (Implementation) Integration and Test Installation Operation and Maintenance

SOFTWARE APPROVAL
Software must be verify by authority for approval in order to control the quality Initial certification :
Software must be design from approved company Approved by Design Organization Software must comply with authority requirement (BCAR sec A)

Post-Certification Modifications
Modification must based on rule apply to the application on hardware Modification which effect software must be approved by the Design Organization

DOCUMENTATION APPROVAL
AN 57 issue in order to recognice RTCA/EUROCAE document with appropriate guidance material. Include in RTCA/EUROCAE :
DO-178/ED-12 : Application form for software approval and guidance Requirement for software control Software documentation procedure Requirement for configuration management Rule for upgrading software Differential of software level

SOFTWARE TESTING
Every software must be provide the testing method to maintain its functinality. Purpose is to determine all data process corectly with the correct output. Test should include :
Typical data : test the comonly use program path Unusual but valid data : test the exception program path ( fail safe design) Incorrect, incomplete data : test the error routine

SOFTWARE LEVEL
AMJ 25 Criticality Category FAA Criticality Category RTCA/EUROCAE Effect on Aircraft and Occupants of Failure or Design Error Software Level
1. Slight reduction of safety margin
2. Slight increase in workload (routine changes in Minor Effect Non-Essential Level D flight plan) 3. Physical effects but no injury to occupants 1. Significant reduction in safety margins 2. Reduction in the ability of the flight crew to cope Major Effect Essential Level C with adverse operating conditions impairing their efficiency 3. Injury to occupants 1. Large reduction in safety margins 2. Physical distress or workload such that the flight

Hazardous /severe-Major Effect

crew cannot be relied upon to perform their tasks Essential Level B accurately or completely 3. Serious injury to or death of a relatively small proportion of the occupants 1. Loss of Aircraft Critical Level A

Catastrophic Effect

2. Fatalities

FAILURE CONDITION
Minor
Slight reduce safety margin of functional capabilities, slight increase crew workload and some inconvenience to occupants.

Major
Reduce capability of aircraft, significant reduction in safety margins or functional capabilities, increace in crew workload and discomfort occupants.

Hazardous
Reduce capability of aircraft , large reduction of safety margin or functional capabilities, physical distresser to crew and serious injury to some of occupant

Catastrophic
Failure condition prevent continue safe flight and landing