FAA Software DER – DO-178C Through Level A
Software certification led by a consultant DER who approves the data, not just reviews it.
Aries Aero Systems is led by an FAA Software Designated Engineering Representative (DER) with Level A authority. We plan, audit and approve airborne software compliance under DO-178C for avionics suppliers, Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft manufacturers, rotorcraft and eVTOL programs.
Bringing a Software DER in at planning, rather than at SOI #4, is the cheapest way to avoid rework. We catch PSAC, SDP and SVP gaps while they are still document changes instead of re-verification campaigns.
What our Software DER does
Certification planning
PSAC, SDP, SVP, SCMP and SQAP authoring or review, software level determination from the system safety assessment, and alignment with the FAA or ACO before SOI #1.
Stage of Involvement (SOI) audits
SOI #1 planning, SOI #2 development, SOI #3 verification and SOI #4 final reviews, run as the DER or as a pre-audit to prepare for an FAA or customer DER.
Data approval
Findings of compliance and approval of software life-cycle data on FAA Form 8110-3 within delegated authority.
Tool qualification
DO-330 tool qualification planning and TQL determination for development and verification tools.
Technology supplements
DO-331 model-based development, DO-332 object-oriented technology and DO-333 formal methods.
Gap analysis and recovery
Assessments of legacy or COTS-heavy software, PDS and previously developed software credit, and recovery plans for programs with open SOI findings.
Regulatory basis we work to
- RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C and DO-248C
- AC 20-115D (recognition of DO-178C)
- FAA Order 8110.49A, Software Approval Guidelines
- DO-330 tool qualification; DO-331, DO-332 and DO-333 supplements
- 14 CFR 23.2510 / 25.1309 system safety inputs to software level
How an engagement runs
- 01Kickoff: confirm the certification basis, software levels and who holds approval authority (FAA, ODA or DER).
- 02Planning review: written findings on the plans and standards, closed before SOI #1.
- 03SOI audits at each stage, with findings tracked in a comment/response matrix through closure.
- 04Final compliance: Software Accomplishment Summary review and 8110-3 approval within authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an FAA Software DER do?
A Software DER is a private engineer appointed by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 183 to find compliance and approve software data for the FAA. On a DO-178C program the DER reviews plans, conducts SOI audits and approves life-cycle data within their delegation.
Do you hold Level A software authority?
Yes. Our principal holds FAA Software DER authority through Level A, the highest design assurance level, used for software whose failure could be catastrophic.
Can you support a program that already has SOI findings?
Yes. We run gap assessments against DO-178C objectives, prioritize findings by certification risk, and build a recovery plan your team and the FAA can agree to.
Do you also provide software engineers?
Yes. Through Aries staffing we place DO-178C software, verification and SQA engineers who are technically screened by the same DER.
Ready to move your program forward?
Tell us about your certification basis, aircraft program, or staffing need. We'll follow up within one business day.