An MBSE Framework for Regulatory Modeling of Transport Category Airplanes

Abstract

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-3256.vid A typical aircraft certification process consists of obtaining a type, production, airworthiness, and continued airworthiness certificates. During this process, a type certification plan is created that includes the intended regulatory operating environment, the proposed certification basis, means of compliance, and a list of documentation to show compliance. Earlier work by the authors demonstrated a model-based framework for the management of these certification artifacts. The previously developed framework is expanded and adapted to consider certification for transport category airplanes regulated under 14 CFR Part 25. These regulations are largely prescriptive with different requirements, means of compliance, and demonstration methods being found under a single regulatory paragraph. The regulatory model stereotype developed includes all the different structural elements, which are four or five levels deep for Part 25, as well as the three categories: Regulation Requirement, Regulation Context, and Regulation Test. These separate elements are each related to an existing Paragraph block through a SysML trace relationship, providing clear transparency and traceability between the text of the regulations and imposed requirements, contextual information, and specified test activities. When instantiating the present regulatory framework, a number of challenges were encountered. Generally speaking, the identification or specification of Regulation Requirements and Regulatory Context from within the regulatory text requires nuanced analysis and, at times, decision making. Several examples of these challenges and resolutions are discussed within the paper. However, the increased transparency and consistency in the expression of the regulations obtained through this model based systems engineering approach is expected to provide a significant benefit.