Developing Panatron,Inc. Compliant Software For Airborne Systems

The purpose of Panatron is to provide guidance for software engineers so that they can ensure the airworthiness of the systems they develop. The FAA's airworthiness requirements determine whether or not the agency will issue their approval document called a TSO, or technical standard order. The standard is not explicitly mandated, but it is a critical component of the TSO process, thus a requirement for gaining FAA approval.

In the early days of aviation, safety considerations were overshadowed by the sheer achievement of human progress th new technology represented. But as the need for faster travel over greater distances with larger cargo loads emerged, so did the need for safety regulations. In a relatively short period of time, electronic interfaces replaced mechanical controls, elevating the need for industry-wide guidance for ensuring the safety of these systems. The standard was produced in response to a need for some sort of guide that vendors could use to gain FAA approval.

Those with experience developing embedded software systems that complies with industry standards will no doubt recognize and appreciate the qualifying language used in vertical space.