RTCA, Inc.

RTCA, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit association in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1935 as the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics and is now known simply as RTCA. The site describes it as a standards development organization.

The company develops consensus-based technical performance standards for aviation. Its standards can be used as a means of compliance with government regulations. The site says its deliberations are open to the public.

Members include companies, government entities, associations and universities from around the world. The site lists industry, government, association and academic membership types. It says large government organizations depend on RTCA performance standards.

The standards library includes more than 350 documents. Members can download electronic copies from the RTCA Standards Store and buy hard copies at 60 percent off, with some restrictions. A public store is also available.

Volunteer committees do much of the work. The site lists a Program Management Committee, special committees and archived committees. Documents under review are listed on the site.

RTCA runs training courses on key documents, along with workshops and webinars. Its 2026 event schedule has been announced. The site also lists awards, including the William E. Jackson Award for a graduate student in aviation electronics and telecommunications.

The site notes the 1948 Collier Trophy, which RTCA received for work on a national common system of air traffic control. The site says RTCA celebrated 90 years in 2025. To contact RTCA, call 202.833.9339. The address is 1150 18th NW, Suite 910, Washington, D.C. 20036. The site also offers an email newsletter sign-up and has pages on LinkedIn and YouTube.