Environmental Testing
The Shadow Standard: Tribalism and inherited inefficiencies in Safety Certification: A Focus on DO-254
Bruno Chaves CEO (Product & Strategy) / Critical Manx, UK
Main evolutions of the ED-14H
Eric Delesalle Senior Expert EMI & Lightning indirect effect Compliance Verification Engineer (CVE) / Safran Aircraft Engines
Environmental testing ensures avionics systems perform reliably under diverse operational conditions. Methods such as signal integrity, functional, modular, and simulation testing help identify failures early by validating system behaviour under stress, isolation, and real-world scenarios—including faults and extreme environments, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and pressure. These tests are critical for safety and cost-effective development. EUROCAE WG-14 is updating ED-14G to ED-14H / DO-160, revising environmental categories, test procedures, and guidance to reflect modern technologies and expanded use cases, including UAS ground stations. Alignment with RTCA standards and updated guidance (ED-234A) will reshape qualification strategies, requiring teams to revise compliance approaches.