WHAT IS DIGITAL AIRWORTHINESS, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Recognizing the need to evolve from outdated and inefficient processes, the Digital Airworthiness (DAW) team is dedicated to developing digital strategies and solutions to enhance the airworthiness certification process. By streamlining efforts and integrating digital tools, we’ll be able to maintain the highest level of safety for our air and space forces.
“With regard to the future of Digital Airworthiness, we know it is essential to accelerate change or lose.”
DEFINING FUTURE GOALS AND ACCELERATING TRANSFORMATION
The USAF’s highly committed volunteers of the DAW team recently convened a group of over 140 participants to make connections across the community while further propelling the mission to enhance aviation safety through digital innovation. The productive and collaborative workshop was a vital step towards solidifying the Digital Airworthiness working groups.
COLLABORATION IS ESSENTIAL TO DRIVING CHANGE
DAF DTO Process Automation Lead and Chairperson of the Digital Airworthiness team, Noah “Odie” Demerly, kicked off the Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM) by outlining why this community of people and skill sets are necessary to drive the advancement and integration of digital technologies in airworthiness.
“Digital airworthiness requires way more people. We need software experts, data experts, and domain experts. We need all of these people in order to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate airworthiness certification.”
Seamless and persistent collaboration is needed from airworthiness stakeholders and digital technologists, which drives the advancement and integration of digital technologies, visualization, automation, virtualization, and data normalization.
WORKSHOP TAKEAWAYS
The engaging workshop included long-term members as well as new, like-minded individuals, all invested in leveraging digital to drive faster, more efficient, and higher quality airworthiness. Breakout sessions allowed workshop participants the opportunity to hear more about the origin and ideation of the Digital Airworthiness Team and also discuss and refine the scope of the DAW long-term working groups. The DAW TIMs marked a significant milestone, transitioning initial working groups into long-term collectives, paving the way for the next phase in leveraging digital capabilities to revolutionize aviation safety certifications.
LONG-TERM WORKING GROUPS
Please note, that these groups are subject to change and may have differing kick-off times! Your experience and input on how to maximize the value to the airworthiness community is critical as groups and goals are solidified.
- Validation with Sensitivity Analysis / Uncertainty Quantification: Developing tools/technologies to understand model limitations/accuracy
- Understand Data Formats / Data Standards: Defining list of data formats for artifacts (interoperable with standard AW tools)
- Training: Developing training for AW toolbox (short & long term), policies, and MIL-HDBK-516 digital improvements
- Automated Compliance Report (CR): Develop algorithms/visualizations for computer-assisted assessments
- Tools: Creating a long-term digital AW toolbox
- IT Acquisition / Integration: Interfaces with DATF and ensures Digital AW IT requirements are met
WE NEED YOUR HELP
The rapid evolution of the DAW Team is inspiring, yet more changemakers are needed to meet the increasing demand for safely propelling airworthiness into the digital age. Seize the opportunity to contribute towards shaping the future of aviation. Join the growing team of dedicated volunteers leading the transformative Digital Airworthiness initiative and make a profound impact on aviation safety!
