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Software Control & Compliance in Aircraft Maintenance

December 7, 2026 Live online
AEA Member $179 | Non-Member $249
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Modern aircraft are no longer just mechanical systems, they are software-defined platforms. A single improper update, missed verification step, or unauthorized action can compromise configuration control, invalidate airworthiness, or introduce latent system risk.

This high-impact training program is built around the FAA’s guidance in AC 43-216A, focusing on the real-world execution of software management during maintenance not just policy, but what technicians actually do on the line and in the shop.

Presented by: Kevin Bruce, AEA

Course Objective: Equip maintenance personnel—from apprentices to experienced technicians—with the knowledge, discipline, and procedural awareness required to:

  • Execute software installation and configuration correctly the first time
  • Maintain aircraft configuration integrity across the software lifecycle
  • Recognize when they are not authorized or qualified to perform software actions
  • Prevent improper updates, configuration drift, and undocumented changes

Course Outline

1. “Notes, Cautions, and Warnings” — Not Optional

Technicians will learn that:

  • ICA procedures are not guidance—they are requirements
  • Deviating from notes/cautions can:
    • Corrupt software loads
    • Misconfigure LRUs
    • Create non-compliant aircraft
  • AC 43-216A emphasizes that software loading must follow manufacturer procedures exactly and in all important respects

2. Software Lifecycle Control — From Receiving to Loading

Training walks through the entire lifecycle:

  • Receiving (authenticity, integrity verification)
  • Storage (controlled media, PED security)
  • Transfer (secure, authorized methods only)
  • Staging vs loading vs verification

Emphasis: Software is a controlled aircraft part—not just a file.  The control can overlap with the EASA Part IS requirements.

3. Configuration Control — The Core of Airworthiness

Participants will learn:

  • Every software load changes aircraft configuration
  • Verification is mandatory—not assumed
  • Preloaded LRUs cannot be assumed correct
  • AC 43-216A requirement: All software loading must be followed by configuration verification

4. Baselining Before Change — “Know Your Aircraft Before You Touch It”

A major focus of this program:

Baselining a line aircraft prior to software updates

  • Confirm current configuration
  • Validate compatibility of updates
  • Identify mixed configurations across fleet

This directly supports:

  • Service Bulletin compliance
  • Avoiding unintended system interactions
  • Maintaining continued airworthiness

5. Authorized Personnel Only — A Critical Safety Barrier

Not everyone should be performing software updates

Training reinforces:

  • Only authorized and trained personnel may load software
  • Unauthorized actions introduce:
  • Configuration errors
  • Security vulnerabilities
  • Regulatory non-compliance
  • AC explicitly states: Software loading must be performed by authorized and trained personnel only

6. Documentation & Recordkeeping — Software = Aircraft Part

Participants will learn:

  • Software changes require maintenance record entries
  • Entries must reference:
    • AMM
    • Service Bulletin
    • Source documentatio
  • 14 CFR §43.9 and operational recordkeeping requirements

Please note the following important items:

  • Plan to connect 10-15 minutes early so we can start on time.
  • Attendees are required to connect with a web camera and audio.

Christopher K.
5

From my specific perspective as a seasoned FAA airworthiness/avionics ASI inspector who works in the AFS-300 Aircraft Maintenance Division (policy & HQ), my recommendation to management is that this class - while more geared to industry folks and avionics techs - would still be beneficial to field inspectors within GA (think FSDO's) or even Air Carrier (think 121 operator Certificate Management Offices). Very foundational but also good review and might be good for ASI's to look for processes when conducting oversight of maintenance programs or even events/occurences.

AEA Member $179 | Non-Member $249