AI in Avionics: Fundamentals for Certification (AI-CERT-101)

Course overview

AI-CERT-101 provides a clear explanation of what constitutes an AI-based system and how its development approach can be integrated into existing certification frameworks. Starting with an explanation of AI techniques, the course explains how AI-based systems differ from traditionally developed systems and what additional questions must be answered in order to certify them.

The training then walks through the existing roadmaps and guidance frameworks for the certification of AI-based airborne systems, and shows how they can align with established design assurance approaches. Upon completion you will understand what an AI-based system is and how such systems can be included in the certification of systems and equipment — an introductory overview that can be followed with more detailed AI training modules.

What you will learn

• AI definitions and introduction — what AI is, and an AI taxonomy
• Applications of AI in aviation
• How AI systems development differs from traditional systems development
• The AI roadmap in aviation
• AI trustworthiness — how we can trust AI-based systems in order to certify them
• The development of AI guidance and what guidance is currently available
• AI in the context of system development
• How AI-based development can integrate into the existing certification framework

Who should take this course

Systems, software and hardware engineers, certification specialists, project managers and DERs who need a clear, vendor-neutral grounding in how AI-based systems are built and how they fit into avionics certification. No prior AI background is required.

Recommended prerequisite: EC-CERT-101 — Introduction to Development Assurance (Systems, Hardware and Software)

Course outline

1. What is AI — AI definitions and a practical taxonomy of the techniques used in airborne applications.
2. AI in aviation — where AI-based functions are being applied across avionics and aerospace systems.
3. AI vs. traditional development — how developing an AI-based system differs from a traditionally developed system, and the additional questions certification must answer.
4. The aviation AI roadmap and guidance — the roadmaps and guidance frameworks emerging for AI-based airborne systems, and what guidance is available today.
5. AI trustworthiness — what it means to trust an AI-based system, and why trustworthiness is central to certifying one.
6. Integrating AI into the certification framework — how AI-based development fits within system development and existing design assurance approaches.

Why AI certification needs its own foundation

Traditional avionics software and hardware are certified against well-established, requirements-based design assurance objectives (DO-178C, DO-254, ARP 4754A/4761). AI-based systems — particularly those built with machine learning — challenge several assumptions behind those objectives: behaviour is learned from data rather than fully specified, and the usual notions of requirements, coverage and determinism need to be reconsidered. Understanding where AI fits, and where it needs new guidance, is the first step toward certifying it. This course builds that foundation before you move into more detailed, technique-specific modules.

What you will be able to do afterward

After AI-CERT-101 you will be able to explain what constitutes an AI-based system, describe how it differs from a traditionally developed system, and outline how AI-based systems can be brought into the certification of systems and equipment using the emerging roadmaps and guidance — ready to go deeper with follow-on AI training.

How this course fits your certification path

AI-CERT-101 is the entry point of the AI in avionics track. We recommend completing EC-CERT-101 (Introduction to Development Assurance) first for grounding in systems, hardware and software assurance. To see how learning assurance integrates with established design assurance, watch our free webinar Applying Aerospace Design Assurance to Artificial Intelligence. For written primers on the underlying standards, see our DO-178C explained and ARP 4754 explained guides.

How on-demand training works

Every ConsuNova module is delivered online and self-paced, so you can learn on your own schedule. Each purchase includes 30-day access with unlimited views and downloads for one user, and a certificate of completion is issued automatically when you finish the module.

Your instructors

This module is delivered by ConsuNova’s senior certification authorities, giving you both FAA and EASA perspectives on compliance:

Reza Madjidi FAA DER Consultant

Provides FAA Designated Engineering Representative expertise on U.S. avionics certification.

Martin Beeby EASA CVE Authorized

Brings EASA Certification Verification Engineer authority on European avionics compliance.

Frequently asked questions