# AC 21-16D: RTCA Document  DO-160D

- Type: Advisory circular (guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it)
- Status: Historical
- Version in force: [AC 21-16G](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16), approved June 22, 2011. This is a historical version
- Approved: July 21, 1998
- Last reviewed: December 17, 2003
- Family: AC 21-16
- Cancels: [21-16C](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16C)
- Cancelled by: [AC 21-16E](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16E)
- 14 CFR parts: 21
- Pages: 2
- PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/e8/a3/e8a3c469fff6116198fc145d80df3ca3643e621f738b0a0d6aae2eea80c44d05
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/1335032CDD1DF17A862569D1007339BF.0001
- DRS record last changed: November 22, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16D

## Versions

- [AC 21-16G](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16) (Current), approved Jun 22, 2011, 16 pages
- [AC 21-16F](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16F) (Historical), approved Nov 19, 2009, 11 pages
- [AC 21-16E](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16E) (Historical), approved Dec 20, 2005, 2 pages
- [AC 21-16D](https://openairdocs.org/ac/21-16D) (Historical), approved Jul 21, 1998, 2 pages

## ADs that cite it (1)

- [AD 98-20-40](https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-20-40): Fuel Quantity Indication System (FQIS) · Boeing 747-100 Series, 747-100B Series, 747-100B SUD Series and 6 more. Effective Nov 4, 1998

## Text

Each page's text from the PDF; open the PDF at a page with #page=N.

### Page 1

U.S. Depoment of Transportation FedemlMation Adminis- Circular Subject: RTCA DOCUMENT DO- 160D Date: 7121198 AC No: 21-16D Initiated By: AIR- 130 Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular calls attention to RTCA, Inc (formerly Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics) Document No. DO-160D, “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, ” dated July 29, 1997, and discusses how the document may be used in showing compliance with airworthiness requirements.

2. CANCELLATION. Advisory Circular 2 1 - 16C, Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics Document DO-160C, dated February 14, 1990, is canceled.

3. RELATED FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS (FAR). FederaI Aviation Regulations, part 21.

4. BACKGROUND. DO-160D defmes a series of standard environmental test conditions (categories) and applicable test procedures for airborne equipment. The purpose of these tests is to provide a laboratory means of determining the performance characteristics of airborne equipment in environmental conditions representative of those which may be encountered in airborne operation of the equipment.

**5. USE OF RTCA DOCUMENT NO. DO-160D.**

a. An applicant for a Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for airborne equipment may use the conditions and procedures prescribed in DO-160D in lieu of the corresponding conditions and procedures specified in a TSO if it is shown that:

(1) Conditions and procedures used are those prescribed in DO-160D.

(2) The substitute test procedures from DO-160D provides an equivalent level of safety.

(3) The applicant requests approval to deviate in accordance with the requirements of FAR Section 21.609.

b. An applicant for a Type Certificate or Supplemental Type Certificate may use DO- 160D to show compliance with appropriate airworthiness requirements. DO-160D is an acceptable means, but not the only means, for any environmental qualification.

### Page 2

21-16D 7/21/98

6. AVAILABILZI’Y OF RTCA DOCUMENT NO. DO-160D. Copies may be purchased from RTCA, Inc, 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 1020, Washington, DC 20036.

yada- * L J s c. nes Manager, Aircraft Eqineering Division Aircraft Certification Service Page 2 Par 6

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