RTCA/DO-178C Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification provides a mechanism to qualify tools for use in the development (including verification) of airborne software. RTCA/DO-330 defines the objectives by which tool qualification is measured. DO-178C specifies how to determine if a tool should be qualified, defines the applicable Tool Qualification Level (TQL), and then refers to RTCA/DO-330 Software Tool Qualification Considerations for the details on the actual qualification process. 

This document provides a background in tool qualification under RTCA/DO-178C and DO-330. It provides practical examples using Tool Qualification Support Packs (TQSPs) available from LDRA for the LDRA tool suite, with specific information on the objectives and activities included in the qualified function.