EUROCAE Launches Public Consultation on Detect-and-Avoid and Software Development Standards

EUROCAE Launches Public Consultation on DAA and Software Development Standards

The European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) has published two significant draft documents covering Detect and Avoid (DAA) Minimum Operational Performance Standards and a software development assurance framework for unmanned aircraft systems, formally opening both for industry comment.

ED-329: Minimum Operational Performance Standards for DAA

Document ED-329 aims to establish proportional risk-based DAA standards for conflict traffic, supporting the development of performance-based regulations for UAS operations in non-segregated airspace.

The document defines Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for select functions within the EUDAAS DAA traffic system. It applies to certified-category UAS operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in Class A through G airspace. The standard sets out minimum performance requirements for EUDAAS DAA equipment and functionality, while DAA system sensors are addressed separately under a dedicated MOPS document.

EUROCAE stated: "Compliance with this standard is recommended as one means of ensuring that equipment will perform its intended function under all conditions normally encountered in routine aeronautical operations. These MOPS are intended to ensure that compliant equipment will receive the necessary regulatory approval, and the process is generally expedited when the relevant authority recognizes such standards as an acceptable means of compliance with applicable regulations."

Draft Software Development Assurance Framework

EUROCAE has simultaneously released a draft framework establishing the minimum required software development processes and verification boundaries for systems operating under the EASA Specific Category.

The organization noted that as UAS, Urban Traffic Management (UTM) services, general aviation aircraft, small rotorcraft, and emerging VTOL applications continue to evolve, there is a pressing industry need for a unified framework to support appropriate software development assurance practices.

The new framework adopts a principles-based approach, avoiding the prescription of detailed development methodologies. Instead, it defines foundational assurance expectations that ensure consistent implementation while retaining flexibility for different operational contexts. The document specifically notes that certain VTOL applications may benefit from software development assurance approaches tailored to lower-risk operations, and identifies cybersecurity as a key input to the development assurance process.

EUROCAE anticipates the document will serve as a reference for UAS developers targeting EASA Specific Category approval, UTM service providers, manufacturers of avionics for general aviation aircraft and small rotorcraft, software developers, certification authorities, and other aviation stakeholders involved in the development, verification, and approval of airborne systems.

Consultation Deadlines

Both draft documents have been uploaded to the EUROCAE Workspace platform, where stakeholders can submit feedback via comment forms:

• Software Development Framework: Deadline 24 August 2025
• DAA Standard (ED-329): Deadline 25 August 2025

For further information, visit the official EUROCAE website.

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