RTCA Special Committees (SCs) collaborate with aviation experts to establish FAA-endorsed standards.
Special Committees develop Safety Performance Requirements (SPR), Operational Services and Environment Definitions (OSED), Interoperability Requirements (INTEROP), Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS), Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), as well as Reports and Guidelines.
These documents influence equipment certification and market competitiveness, with the FAA referencing them in certifications. The private sector also relies on RTCA documents for development and business decisions.
Special Committees (SCs)
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SC-135 is responsible for maintaining the documents which define the standard for testing commercial avionics equipment in various environmental and electromagnetic conditions.
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SC-147 defines and updates TCAS and TCAS II performance standards, contributing to aviation safety advancements, and is currently developing ACAS Xr systems for improved collision avoidance.
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SC-159 produces and maintains GPS-based aviation equipment standards to accommodate modernization and new constellations, enhancing navigation and safety.
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SC-186 develops operational standards for ADS-B technology, enhancing aviation safety, efficiency, and capacity through data link communications.
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SC-206 identifies AIS and MET data link services to improve aviation information sharing, efficiency, and safety in line with modernization efforts.
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SC-213 establishes standards for enhanced flight and synthetic vision systems, improving flight safety and operational capabilities.
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SC-214 develops safety and performance requirements for air traffic data communications, transitioning from voice-based to collaborative operations.
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SC-216 focuses on aeronautical information systems security, harmonizing recommendations to ensure safe and secure aviation operations.
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SC-217 develops standards for aeronautical databases, supporting advanced ATM requirements for NextGen and SESAR.
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SC-222 develops standards for Airborne Mobile Satellite (Remote) Systems (AMS(R)S), enhancing satellite communications for aviation applications, including CPDLC and ADS-C.
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SC-223 works on standards for both AeroMACS as well as the standards which will enable using internet protocols in aviation datalink applications.
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SC-224 updates standards for integrated airport security access control systems, providing guidelines for effective security deployments.
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SC-227 develops navigation performance standards, enhancing navigation capabilities worldwide through standardized avionics equipment.
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SC-228 establishes standards for uncrewed aircraft systems, supporting various applications and ensuring safe integration into the airspace.
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SC-230 develops airworthiness approval standards for aircraft weather radar systems, enhancing safety and operational effectiveness.
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SC-235 updates standards for non-rechargeable lithium batteries, addressing advancements in technology and safety requirements.
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SC-236 establishes standards for wireless avionics intra-communication systems, facilitating data communication developments on aircraft.
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SC-237 defines standards for helicopter terrain awareness warning systems, focusing on safety in both off-shore and on-shore helicopter operations.
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SC-238 develops counter UAS standards, addressing detection and mitigation technology to ensure safe integration of UAS into airspace.
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SC-239 updates standards for low-range radar altimeters, protecting against interference and enhancing safety in aviation operations.
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SC-240 focuses on software advancement standards, clarifying software development practices and creating new standards for low-risk operations.
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SC-242 has the goal to establish spectrum compatibility guidelines and best practices for aviation, promoting efficient and safe spectrum use within the industry.
SC-242 Documents
Active Monitor
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SC-209 developed and updated Mode S standards for improved aircraft surveillance, safety, and capacity within the evolving National Airspace System.
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SC-229 updated standards for emergency locator transmitters, incorporating advancements in technology and safety requirements.
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SC-231 addressed terrain awareness warning system standards, focusing on safe operations and reducing the risk of terrain-related accidents.
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SC-241 addressed the urgent need for effective aircraft interior cleaning methods that minimize pathogen transmission, ensuring passenger and crew safety.