Software Management Control Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Operational Program Configuration (OPC) software?

To control the internal clock speed of an LRU.

To diagnose and repair faults within the LRU.

To configure the specific functions and capabilities of an LRU. (correct)

To manage communication protocols between LRUs.

What is the function of an Aircraft Configuration List (ACL)?

To provide a comprehensive list of all aircraft components.

To define the operational procedures for specific aircraft systems.

To document the maintenance history of a specific aircraft.

To identify the LSAPs required for a particular aircraft. (correct)

What is the software version designation format used for field loadable software?

A_B

A.BB (correct)

A.B.C

A-B

Which of the following is NOT a typical method for distributing field loadable software?

Satellite uplink (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term "Target Hardware" refer to in the context of field loadable software?

The physical components or modules intended to receive the new FLS. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is certified based on its potential to cause safety-related failures?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the process of evaluating software for potential safety-related failures?

System Safety Assessment (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between software levels and the probability of failure?

Higher software levels have a lower probability of failure. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following software is NOT considered comparable to an aircraft component for certification purposes?

Aviation Software Management (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which software level is associated with the highest potential to cause a catastrophic failure of the aircraft?

Level A (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, which software level is most closely associated with the term 'catastrophic'?

Level A (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these systems is NOT mentioned in the provided information to be controlled by software?

Passenger Entertainment System (C) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the context, which category of software is most likely classified as 'Level A'?

OPS, OSS (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these software categories is most likely NOT considered in the same manner as an aircraft component for certification?

Aviation Software Management (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is considered loadable, but not field loadable?

Resident Software (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the software is controlled at the aircraft level, what does it fall under?

Aircraft Controlled Software (ACS) (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is always included in the aircraft type design?

Aircraft Controlled Loadable Software Part (ACLSP) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is considered 'pre-loaded' and is typically referenced in CASR 21 regulations?

Resident Software (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a software part is required for flight operations, what can it be categorized as?

Aeronautical Database (ADB) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is not included in the aircraft type design?

Loadable Software Aircraft Part (LSAP) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can be categorized as either Field Loadable Software (FLS) or Loadable Software Part (LSP)?

Loadable Software Aircraft Part (LSAP) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is referred to specifically as Field-Loadable Software?

Software that is used to describe the software itself (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software can be updated or changed in the field?

Field Loadable Software (FLS) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of software mentioned?

Field-Loadable Hardware (FLH) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is associated with the term 'Aeronautical Database' (ADB)?

Loadable Software Aircraft Part (LSAP) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the Flight Operations Software (FOS)?

To supply instructions for continued airworthiness (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between Aircraft Controlled Software (ACS) and Hardware Controlled Software (HCS)?

ACS controls aircraft functions, while HCS does not. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which software is categorized as Supplier Controlled Software (SCS)?

Electronic Flight Book (EFB) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Technical Publications (TechPubs)?

To offer documented instructions for continued airworthiness (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about User Certified Software (UCS)?

It can be modified by users (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which entity is associated with the digital techniques and electronic instrument systems training materials?

CASA Part 66 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of User Modifiable Software (UCS)?

It is designed to be customized by the user (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which software is specifically related to the management of aviation operations?

Flight Operations Software (FOS) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship of Nav Charts within the system outlined?

They are critical for operational navigation purposes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Loadable Software Part (LSP) refer to in aviation?

Software that can be loaded onto an aircraft system (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is required for flight operations according to the provided content?

Aeronautical Database (ADB) (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which option does NOT classify as a requirement for maintenance?

Electronic Flight Book (EFB) (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is involved in the aircraft type design according to the CASR 21?

Controlled Loadable Resident Software (RS) (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the Loadable Software Aircraft Part (LSAP) is required for maintenance, what implication does this have?

It must be included in the aircraft type design. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What might be the consequences of not including the Aeronautical Database (ADB) for flight operations?

There could be limited access to important navigation data. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which software part is specifically mentioned as required for both maintenance and flight operations?

Aeronautical Database (ADB) (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Software Management Control (5.13)

Restrictions apply to software management and control (Level 2)
Airworthiness requirements for software management and control (Level 2) are described
Possible catastrophic effects of unapproved changes to software programs (Level 2) are described

Classification of Aircraft Software Systems

Software is used in aircraft systems to provide programming information to computers
Software is used by all computer-based systems: Engine control systems, bleed air control systems, power generation and control systems, fire protection systems, aircraft instrument displays.
Aircraft rely heavily on computer software for navigation and flight management systems requiring continuous updates
Changes to airline flight routes, air traffic control, and waypoint positions drive need for updates

Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU)

Programmed with software to update or input data and test/identify faults
Software also communicates with multiple systems

Software Control

Aircraft equipment requiring software is assigned a level based on the severity of potential software errors (affecting safety, crew, and passengers)
Software levels are assigned using DO-178C Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification jointly created by RTCA SC-167 and EUROCAE WG-12
Factors to consider regarding Software and Data inclusion regarding design, production, flight and maintenance

Software Levels

Software is assigned a level (A, B, C, D, or E) based on potential safety-related failures and strict specifications for probability of failure
Danger levels are associated with catastrophic failure (<1 in 10-9/flight hour), hazardous failure (<1 in 10-7/flight hour), major failure (<1 in 10-5/flight hour), minor failure (<1 in 10-3/flight hour), no effect (n/a)
Different systems are affected by these levels (flight control computers, autopilot, navigation systems, flight data recorders, etc.)

Flight Software Design Assurance Levels

Most software is treated like an aircraft component for certification and control
Five levels of certification: level A (catastrophic failure), level B (hazardous failure), level C (major failure), level D (minor failure), level E (no effect)
Examples of systems controlled by software: flight control computer, fly-by-wire, full authority digital engine control, flight displays, air data systems

Software Types

Two main types: Field-Loadable Software (FLS) and Preloaded or Resident Software
FLS can be updated without removing the system or equipment
FLS and parts are identified by unique part numbers and can be verified electronically
FLS is not dependent on current software state and doesn't prevent overwrite of prior versions
Preloaded software needs the system or component removed to be updated

Preloaded or Resident Software

Cannot be changed without physically removing the system or component
Updates require sending the unit to a workshop for reprogramming
Reasons include: the component not needing software changes, and inaccessible/highly contaminated components.
Software may not be released to prevent changes

Loadable Software Aircraft Part (LSAP)

Software considered part of certified aircraft design
Associated documentation is required (EASA Form 1, FAA 8130-3)

Non-Loadable Software Aircraft Part or Aeronautical Database

Field-loadable software not part of the certified configuration or Aeronautical Database (ADB)
Used for navigation, flight planning, and terrain awareness
Rigorous configuration control is required

Databases

Two types: Model/Engine Database (MEDB) and Aeronautical Database (ADB)
MEDB is LSAP-related, and a customised performance database
ADB is often replaced regularly (e.g., every 28 days), containing current and previous database information

Operator Modifiable Software (OMS)

OMS consists of User-Modifiable Software (UMS) and User-Certifiable Software (UCS)
Permits modifications for preferred procedures, operational infrastructure, or local conditions.
UMS modification by aircraft operators without certification authority review. UMS may include modifications to data and executable code affecting target hardware like: ACARS, ACMS, SATCOM, IFE systems

User-Certifiable Software (UCS)

Operators choose modifications that are acceptable to the operator's regulatory authority.

Supplier Controlled Software (SCS)

Operational Program Software (OPS) contains program instructions for a Line-Replaceable Unit (LRU)
Each version of OPS has a unique software part number

Operational Program Configuration (OPC)

Software that determines the function of the LRU
It enables or disables optional functions of the OPS
Eliminates the requirement for pin programming of the LRU

Aircraft Configuration List (ACL)

List of modules, including LRUs, using LSAPs for a specific aircraft

Software Media

Means of transporting and distributing software into equipment. Various forms including discs, memory cards, tapes, and the internet
Physical media should be stored in a dust and lint-free environment protected from moisture, magnetic fields, and direct sunlight

Software Version

Specific software item with a designated revision status.
Versions typically use a major version and a minor version designation (e.g., A.BB)

Target Hardware

Identifies the hardware for new FLS loading
Target hardware includes: Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), Flight Control Computer (FCC), Flight Management Computer (FMC).

Sourcing Software

Updates such as NDB, TDB, and MEDB should be obtained authentically, documented correctly on media, and meet required standards

Software Data Loading (Data Loaders)

Means to load software and data updates is necessary for all computer systems
Data loaders allow software/data updates to be added to programmable computer systems

Portable Maintenance Access Terminal (PMAT)

Used to download loadable software into aircraft systems

Electronic Distribution of Software (EDS)

Process to move software from the producer/supplier to remote sites (operators) without physical media

Field-Loadable Software Procurement and Documentation

LSAP, databases, and UMS are first delivered with new aircraft and are located within target hardware
LSAPs must be obtained from an approved source with associated documentation (FAA 8130-3, JAA Form 1)

FLS Storage Media Handling

Avoid moisture, dust, airborne contaminants, magnetic fields, direct sunlight, rapid temperature changes, X-rays, and electromagnetic sources when handling FLS storage media.

Replication of FLS

Recorded copies of FLS should be made using the aircraft's Type Design Organisation approved processes
Traceable to original source for audit purposes
Documentation of accepted release data should accompany LSAP storage media copies

Procedures

Operators need procedures for determining the specific software and equipment configurations
Documented procedure guidelines for compliance that cover procurement, distribution, receipt, inspection, assessment, embodiment, testing and release to service.

Case Study: Changing Aircraft Software

Aircraft software changes affect operating characteristics.
Affected areas include: Engine systems, Navigational systems, Flight control systems.

Air New Zealand Flight 901 - Mt Erebus Disaster

Example case showing catastrophic effects of using unapproved software

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Description

This quiz explores software management and control in aircraft systems, focusing on airworthiness requirements and the impacts of unapproved software changes. It also covers the functionality of multifunction control display units and their role in flight management. Test your knowledge on the critical software applications used in aviation.