Safety-Critical Flight Control System Design & Certification Compliance Project

Author: Benoit Albert

Status: Draft

Duration: 1 Week Deep Dive

Executive Summary

This project involves designing a simplified flight control system (FCS) for a generic aircraft, with a strong emphasis on safety-critical engineering principles and adherence to aerospace industry standards. Utilizing MATLAB/Simulink, the project covers control law development, flight dynamics analysis, and the strategic planning for FAA certification compliance (ARP4754A, DO-178C, DO-254).

Key Skills

Project Execution Log

Stage 1: Define System Requirements & Architecture

Deliverables

Stage 2: Model Flight Dynamics & Stability in Simulink

Deliverables

Stage 3: Develop & Implement Core Control Laws

Deliverables

Stage 4: Conduct System Integration & Simulated Testing

Deliverables

Stage 5: Formulate Certification & Safety Assurance Strategy

This stage was crucial for establishing the foundational framework for certification and safety assurance. I gained a deep understanding of ARP4754A, DO-178C, and DO-254, learning how to assign Development Assurance Levels and strategically plan for compliance by outlining the necessary processes and documentation. This proactive planning ensures that safety and regulatory adherence are baked into the FCS design from the very beginning.

Deliverables

  • [x] Certification & Safety Assurance Strategy Document outlining key standards, applicability, and high-level compliance approach.