DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AC-17-01
Headquarters Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFMC) 23 MAR 2017
Engineering Directorate
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7101
Distribution Statement A – Approved for public release; distribution unlimited
USAF Center of Excellence for Airworthiness
AIRWORTHINESS CIRCULAR
Verification Expectations for Select Section 15 Criteria
PURPOSE:
This Airworthiness Circular (AC) identifies expectations for showing compliance to a set of criteria
found in MIL-HDBK-516C, Section 15, Computer Systems and Software (CS&S), which is used in
the United States Air Force (USAF) airworthiness certification process.
SCOPE:
This AC applies to all USAF air systems, including those operated by the Air National Guard and
USAF Reserve.
ATTACHMENTS:
(1) Detailed Guidance Regarding Safety Critical Function (SCF) Identification
(2) Detailed Guidance Regarding SCF Thread Analysis (SCFTA)
(3) Detailed Guidance Regarding System and Software Integration Methodology
(4) Detailed Guidance Regarding Failure Modes and Effect Testing (FMET)
(5) Detailed Guidance Regarding Safety Interlock Design Mechanization
(6) Detailed Guidance Regarding CS&S Development Process and Product Attributes
(7) Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Glossary of Terms
CANCELATIONS:
Not applicable. This is the first issuance of this AC.
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
[1] MIL-HDBK-516C, Airworthiness Certification Criteria, 12 December 2014
[2] MIL-STD-882D/E, System Safety Program, 10 February 2000/23 April 2012
[3] AWB-1011A, Airworthiness Expert Endorsement, 4 September 2014
[4] IEEE 12207, Systems and Software Engineering – Software Life Cycle Processes, 2008
[5] MIL-STD-498, Software Development and Documentation, 5 December 1994
[6] DOD-STD-2167A, Defense System Software Development, 29 February 1988
[7] DO-178B/C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification, 1
December 1992 / 13 December 2011
[8] JSSG-2000A, Joint Service Specification Guide: Air System, 8 October 2002
[9] JSSG 2001A, Joint Service Specification Guide: Air Vehicle, 22 October 2002
[10] MIL-HDBK-61A, Configuration Management Guidance, 7 February 2001
[11] SAE EIA-649_1, Configuration Management Requirements for Defense Contracts, Nov 2014
[12] DOD Unmanned Aircraft System Airspace Integration Plan, Version 2.0, March 2011
