Flight Control Software: Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned

Abstract

Aerospace or flight control systems software development follows a rigorous process according to the RTCA DO-178B standard, yet software errors still occur. A review of the mistakes found during flight control test activities spanning 23 years reveals that the same mistakes tend to recur repeatedly. Moreover, we haven't yet learned everything about the mistakes that can be made in flight controls; new mistakes continue to pop up.