Watch the course overview
A 90-second introduction: what DO-178C is, why it matters, and what you will learn in each module. Press play to watch.
What you'll learn
- Why aircraft software is approved on evidence, not testing alone
- How software levels (A–E) set the rigor for your project
- How requirements trace from system to code to test
- What structural coverage and MC/DC actually prove
- How a full program moves from kickoff to approval
Who it's for
Students in aerospace, electrical, computer and software engineering who want a head start.
New graduates starting in avionics or safety-critical software and encountering DO-178C for the first time.
Academics looking for a clear introduction to share with a class.
Working engineers moving onto a DO-178C program, or wanting a structured refresher.
What's included
8 video modules, less than 3 hours in total, with English captions
A quiz after every module, plus a final assessment
A certificate of completion*
90 days of access from enrollment, at your own pace, on any device
Real cases from public investigations and airworthiness directives
Software levels, made clear
See how the safety assessment sets the software level, from A to E, and what each level asks of your team.
MC/DC without the mystery
Structural coverage by level, and MC/DC worked through in three tests, with the reasoning behind each one.
A full program, start to finish
Follow a fictional Level A engine-control program from safety assessment and planning to approval and its first update.
Course Curriculum
Who's teaching
DO-178C Essentials is built by Aerodemia. Our team has hands-on experience developing DO-178C software for inertial navigation, avionics and aircraft braking systems.
We have built products from program kickoff through delivery, producing the full set of DO-178C life-cycle data along the way, and have chaired an engineering review board for change requests. We have also completed DO-178C training taught by an FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER).
DO-178C Essentials is the course we wish we had on day one.
Questions
Is this official RTCA training?
No. DO-178C Essentials is independent training. It isn't produced, endorsed or reviewed by RTCA, the FAA or EASA. It explains and paraphrases the standard for teaching; the authoritative text is RTCA DO-178C.
Do I need a copy of DO-178C?
No. The course is self-contained. If you work on a DO-178C project, your employer will usually provide the standard.
Do I need any background?
No prior DO-178C knowledge is needed. It helps to know what software requirements, code and testing are in general. The course starts from first principles.
How long does it take?
Less than 3 hours of video across eight modules, plus a short quiz after each. You can finish in a week or two of spare time.
Can I try it before I buy?
Yes. The Module 1 video is a free preview, so you can watch it before you enroll.
How long do I have access?
90 days from the day you enroll, on any device, at your own pace. That's plenty of time to finish all eight modules, the quizzes and the final assessment. Download your certificate before your access ends.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, a certificate of completion when you finish the modules and the final assessment. You need at least 90% on each module quiz and on the final assessment, with up to 99 retakes each while your access is active. The final assessment and certificate unlock once your 14-day refund period ends; everything else is available right away. It records course completion and isn't a certification or license.
What if I don't pass a quiz?
You can retake it. Each quiz and the final assessment can be retaken up to 99 times while your access is active.
What if it isn't right for me?
Ask for a full refund within 14 days of purchase by emailing aerodemiasupport@gmail.com.
Is there a student discount?
Yes. Students and recent graduates can enroll at a reduced price. Ask your professor or student chapter for the code, or contact us at aerodemiasupport@gmail.com.
Can my team or class enroll together?
Yes. Contact us at aerodemiasupport@gmail.com about group access for classes, chapters and teams.
Does it cover DO-178B, DO-278A or DO-254?
This course is specific to DO-178C. Related standards such as DO-178B, DO-278A and DO-254 are mentioned where they help explain DO-178C, but they aren't the focus.
Can I download the videos?
No. Videos stream on any device, with English captions, but they can't be downloaded.
Is it based on real programs?
Examples come from public accident investigations and FAA airworthiness directives. The capstone program is fictional, and no proprietary or employer material is used.
*The final assessment and certificate of completion unlock once your 14-day refund period ends. All modules and module quizzes are available right away.
Aerodemia is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RTCA, Inc., EUROCAE, the FAA or EASA. Course content is educational and is not a means of compliance or engineering advice. See our Terms of Use.