Developing Safety-Critical Software: A Practical Guide for Aviation Software and Do-178c Compliance - Hardcover

by Leanna Rierson (Author)

As the complexity and criticality of software increase and projects are pressed to develop software faster and more cheaply, it becomes even more important to ensure that software-intensive systems are reliable and safe. This book helps you develop, manage, and approve safety-critical software more efficiently and effectively. Although the focus is on aviation software and compliance with RTCA/DO-178C and its supplements, the principles also apply to other safety-critical software. Written by an international authority on the subject, this book brings you a wealth of best practices, real-world examples, and concrete recommendations.

Author Biography

Leanna Rierson is an independent consultant in software, complex electronic hardware, and integrated module avionics (IMA) development for safety-critical systems, with emphasis on civil aviation. She has more than 20 years of experience in the software and aviation industry. Rierson spent nine years as a software and avionics specialist at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)--five of those in the position of chief scientific and technical advisor for aircraft computer software. Rierson has published numerous papers, led many national and international engineering teams and workshops, and developed courses, policies, handbooks, and guidance material for the FAA. She served as a subgroup cochair and editorial team leader on the RTCA special committee that wrote DO-178C and six other related documents. Rierson has taught DO-178B, and now DO-178C, to hundreds of professionals. She is an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER) with Level A authority in the software and complex hardware technical areas. She has worked with numerous aircraft and avionics companies, including Boeing, Cessna, Learjet, Embraer, Rockwell Collins, GE Aviation, Honeywell, and numerous others. She is currently working part-time for the Rockwell Collins avionics certification team.