ABSTRACT
RTCA document DO-297, “Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Design Guidance and Certification Considerations,” is one of several documents that are key to the approval of avionics and ultimately the certification of the host aircraft. These documents include DO-160, DO-178, DO-254, SAE ARP 4761, and ARP 4754, as well as many others, such as Technical Standard Orders (TSO). DO-297, like DO-178 and DO-254, provides guidance, not regulations, to be followed in the development of avionics. Consultation by the avionics developers and aircraft manufacturers with the certification authorities will determine which portions of the document will be used as part of the basis for certification of the aircraft. All of the listed RTCA documents (DO designation) become sanctioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification use through the issuance of Advisory Circulars (AC). Presently, no AC has been issued for DO-297, so its use by the FAA is optional. (ACs have been issued for the other mentioned RTCA documents.) The European Organization for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) has designated the document as ED-124. Any reference in this chapter to DO-297 also infers ED-124. As of press time ED-124 has not been approved by the EUROCAE Council and has not been released by it. DO-297, however, is available.
