We are pleased to announce the availability of the following draft EUROCAE document prepared by EUROCAE WG-127 – Lower-risk Aviation Applications:
- ED-356 – “Software Development Assurance for Lower-risk Aviation Applications“
The growing development of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), Urban Traffic Management (UTM) services, general aviation (GA) aircraft, small rotorcraft, and emerging VTOL applications calls for a harmonised framework to support appropriate software development assurance activities.
This document establishes a framework for the minimum required software development processes and verification boundaries for systems intended for use in the EASA Specific Category. Rather than prescribing detailed development methods, it defines the baseline assurance expectations to support consistent implementation while allowing flexibility for different operational contexts. The document also recognises that certain VTOL applications may benefit from a software development assurance methodology tailored to lower-risk operations, while considering cybersecurity aspects as an integral input to the development assurance process.
It is expected that this document will be used by UAS developers targeting certification within the EASA Specific Category, UTM service providers, manufacturers of equipment intended for installation in general aviation aircraft and small rotorcraft, software developers, certification authorities, and other aviation stakeholders involved in the development, verification, and approval of airborne systems.
You are invited to review the proposed draft on the EUROCAE Workspace and complete the comment form. If you are a non-member of EUROCAE, please register here (and click on “Access only to Open Consultation”). Early replies are encouraged.
End Date: 24/08/2026.