What data and guidance material do subject matter experts (SMEs) consider when they develop a CWI position?
Answer
Typically, the SMEs consider authority and applicant positions in closed Issue Papers (IP) and Certification Review Items (CRI) and authority guidance in final/published advisory circulars (AC), acceptable means of compliance (AMC), and policy documents. The SMEs may also consider draft guidance documents (e.g. AC, AMC, and policy documents) and recommendation reports from advisory committees such as Aviation Rulemaking Committees (ARCs) and Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committees (ARACs). In addition, the SMEs may be able to consider the authority and applicant positions from IP and CRI that are currently open, provided that each applicant agrees to share its position and associated data with the SMEs from the other authorities to use in the CATA project. Note that the SMEs will not debate the merits of open IP/CRIs that apply to on-going validation projects, as this is outside the scope of CATA’s authority.