Guide to Reusable Launch Vehicle Safety Validation and Verification Planning, Version 1.0

1.1 Purpose
In issuing Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) mission licenses, the FAA uses a licensing process which includes a pre-licensing consultation period and an application evaluation period. The FAA will use the information generated through the process described in this guide during the application evaluation period. This guide works in conjunction with other specialized FAA publications that provide additional guidance when preparing an RLV license application (e.g., Operations & Maintenance Guidelines).
This guide serves as a companion document to FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 431.35-2, Reusable Launch and Reentry Vehicle System Safety Process, September 2000. Information and instruction regarding RLV safety validation and verification (V&V) planning are provided. Such planning establishes the process and identifies the associated implementation documents needed to ensure that all the safety-critical requirements are correct, tracked and met. The guide also identifies and describes acceptable methods of safety verification.