Question. Does any one know what documents regulate the certification for flight instruments?

Posted by Tatsudi@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 5 comments

I’m working on a project to make a digital ADI at home for personal use. Does anyone know if there are any documents that detail how the process of certification must be done for ADIs and what are the criteria that must be met for this kind of nstrument ?

I’m not talking about IFR license certification but the requirements for the equipment itself

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dat_empennage@reddit

Typically the first thing you want to start with is a TSO (technical standard order) which defines minimum performance standards. The TSO will usually specify approved methods of compliance. Picking a straw man and saying you want to build a digital AHRS-based ADI/AI:

The electronic hardware will at the very least call out DO-160 as an AMOC. This usually defines stuff like vibe/shock tolerance, altitude testing, humidity, etc.
Electronic hardware typically can be approved per DO-254
If your widget uses software (say, on a microcontroller), it can comply to the TSO by adhering to DO-178
if you use programmable logic, this is typically also covered by DO-254.

Reference: TSO-C201 (https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/23390E5DE1112FEA86257A4700640874.0001)

Happy reading!!

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NuttPunch@reddit

Start with a large sum of money and then watch it shrink

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flyingron@reddit

You're going to need to probably consult with a good DER. You start by reading part 23 and AC 21-40 and FAA order 8110.4 and 8110.48. There will be applicable TSOs most likely and these will refer you to RTCA/DOs that include Enviornmental Considerations, Sofwtare Considerations, etc... DO-178C is going to be an important one for you.

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ComprehensiveEar7218@reddit

That would be covered under various FAA TSOs (TSO-C201, for example), RTCA/DO-160, RTCA/DO-334, and a whole host of other RTCA/DO documents.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I’m not talking about IFR license certification but the requirements for the equipment itself

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