RTCA Releases New Technical Publications

RTCA published several new publications in December to enhance global air navigation and communication systems, driving safety and efficiency across the industry.

Key Updates:

• DO-227B – MOPS for Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries Establishes performance standards for non-rechargeable lithium batteries used in aviation.
• DO-407 – MASPS for Synthetic Vision Systems Outlines performance standards for synthetic vision systems that improve situational awareness.
• DO-408 – MASPS for Enhanced Vision Systems Defines criteria for enhanced vision systems, ensuring clear views of terrain and obstacles in low visibility.

Read more here.

Quick Links:

February 2025 RTCA Special Committee Plenaries 

Feb 4 – SC-242 w/WG-124, Spectrum Compatibility, will meet in a virtual plenary to consider recommending RR-002: Report on Aeronautical Radio Frequency Systems, their Regulatory Framework, and Operational Considerations.

Feb 6-7 – SC-214 w/WG-92, Standards for Air Traffic Data Communication Services, will meet in joint plenary at L3 Harris in Palm Bay, FL. Pre-registration is required to attend. The group will continue discussions on VDL interference and updates to DO-224E. 

Feb 6-7 – SC-227 w/WG-85, Standards of Navigation Performance, will meet in joint plenary at RTCA Headquarters in Washington, DC. They will begin work on new revisions of RNP MOPS and MASPS. SC-227 WG-3 will also continue refining their new MOPS for digitally derived charts. The updated Terms of Reference can be viewed here.   

Feb 10 – SC-159 w/WG-62, Navigation Equipment Using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), will meet in a joint virtual plenary to complete their internal report on the BeiDou satellite system and review the work plan for the next version of the dual frequency, multi-constellation MOPS ED-259B/DO-401A. 

Feb 13 – SC-224, Airport Security Access Control Systems, will meet in a virtual plenary to assess progress on the sections of DO-230N. They will also consider a TOR update at the plenary. Please note this meeting was rescheduled from January 9, 2025. 

Feb 27 – SC-217 w/WG-44, Aeronautical Databases, will meet in a joint plenary at EUROCAE in Saint Denis, France. They are preparing to initiate Open Consultation and Final Review and Comment on DO-201C/ED-77B. 

Feb 27 – SC-243 w/WG-128, Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) Development Assurance, will meet in plenary hosted by Joby Aviation in San Jose, California. Registration is required to attend in person. The joint group will start work on a new revision of DO-254 and start to draft a Frequently Asked Questions document.  

See here for agendas for each of these meetings.