PRESS RELEASE
RTCA, Inc. Celebrates 90th Anniversary
Recognizing Nearly a Century of Advancing Aviation Safety and Innovation
Washington, DC — May 22, 2025 — RTCA, Inc. proudly marks its 90th anniversary, celebrating nearly a century of leadership in shaping the standards that have guided the evolution of global aviation. What began in 1935 as a visionary effort to coordinate the technical development of aeronautical radio aids—responding to a call for “some guiding agency” in a rapidly advancing field—has grown into a globally trusted forum for collaboration, innovation, and safety.
Over the past nine decades, RTCA has developed trusted, robust performance standards that support critical technologies, enhance safety and transform how aircraft navigate and communicate across the globe. Our consensus-based standards—developed in close collaboration with international partners—address aircraft software and hardware, environmental performance, security and other critical technologies. RTCA’s foundational standards including DO-178(), DO-254(), DO-160(), have enabled the certification of thousands of aviation products and are referenced by the FAA and Civil Aviation Authorities around the world.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our legacy, but a recognition of the people and partnerships that have made RTCA, Inc. a trusted voice in aviation standards for 90 years,” said Carol Huegel, President and CEO of RTCA, Inc.
As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our mission: to unlock the future of flight through forward-looking, harmonized standards that adapt to new challenges and opportunities. RTCA, Inc. remains a steadfast partner to the aviation community—government, industry, and academia alike—as we continue to build the foundation of safety that enables innovation.
Learn more at rtca.org
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About RTCA, Inc.
RTCA, Inc. is a trusted convener of aviation experts, publishing performance standards that power innovation and enhance safety. Through global collaboration and consensus, RTCA, Inc. develops the essential guidance that underpins the systems and technologies enabling aircraft to communicate, navigate and operate at peak performance – safely and efficiently.
