[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 63597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31357]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Streamlining Software Aspects of Certification Industry Workshop

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration.

ACTION: Notice of Industry Workshop.

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SUMMARY:

Background

    In April 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated 
the Streamlining Software Aspects of Certification (SSAC) program. The 
overall goal of this program is to reduce the cost and time of 
certifying systems with software while maintaining or increasing system 
safety.
    The purpose of this program is: (1) to determine scientifically if 
the time/expense burden yields the safety benefits; (2) to recommend 
improvements; and (3) to prototype those improvements.
    The FAA assembled a team of experts to accomplish this purpose. The 
team is led by NASA Langley Research Center and includes software 
experts Dr. Nancy Leveson and Dr. John Knight.

Workshop Announcement

    On January 7-8, 1998, an SSAC Industry Workshop will be held 
starting at 8:30 am. The workshop will be held at TRW Government 
Information Services Division at One Federal Systems Park Drive 
(Building FP1) in Fairfax, Virginia. The purpose of the SSAC Workshop 
is to enable the FAA and the SSAC research team to listen to industry's 
concerns about the software aspects of the certification process. The 
FAA is seeking industry participants who can relate their concerns 
through experience and involvement in the system certification process.
    During the workshop, the SSAC team seeks input about: (1) the 
impact of DO-178B on each organization; (2) experiences with 
certification authorities; and (3) issues with the certification 
process believed to add cost and delay without affecting the quality of 
safety.
    Upon conclusion of the workshop, the FAA will follow up by 
researching the issues voiced by industry, providing feedback, and 
sharing the results of this research effort. The key to the success of 
the workshop and the success of the SSAC program depends upon industry 
participation, input, and support.
    Attendance is open to the appropriate industry participants. 
Persons wishing to receive additional information should contact the 
SSAC Assistant Program Manager, Bonnie Danner: TRW Government 
Information Services Division; One Federal System Park Drive; Fairfax, 
VA 22033-4416; 202-651-2254 (phone); or 202-484-1255 (fax).

    Issued in Washington, DC on November 24, 1997.
Abbas Rizvi,
Acting Manager, Aircraft Engineering Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31357 Filed 11-28-97; 8:45 am]
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