AS9100 Frequently Asked Questions
AS9100 is a globally harmonized aerospace standard for quality
assurance in design, development, production, installation,
and service based on the internationally renowned ISO 9001:2000
quality management system standards.
The AS9100 standard applies to all components of the industry
from suppliers to manufacturers of aircrafts and aerospace vehicles,
emphasizes the critical aspects of key characteristics, and
focuses on the need to satisfy internal, government, and regulatory
requirements.
AS9100 was cooperatively developed by representatives from
the aerospace industry worldwide in the form of the International
Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).
Just like the ISO 9001:2000 standard, the core concept of
AS9100 is the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycle, which focuses
your organization on identifying key processes and results in
continuous improvement.
AS9100 provides guidance for managing variation when a key
characteristic—a feature of a material, process, or part
in which the variation significantly influences product fit,
performance, manufacturability, or service life—is identified.
AS9100 further provides expectations regarding internal quality
audits, methods of demonstrating initial item acceptance, the
essentials of an effective traceability program, and requirements
for controlling and disposing of nonconforming materials.
The requirements of AS9100 are based upon existing best practices
and are supported by the leading global aerospace industry organizations.
Registration to the standard is encouraged for suppliers to
NASA, Boeing, Northrup Grumman, Lockheed Martin, General Electric
Aircraft Engines (GEAE), Rolls Royce, and most other prime aerospace
manufacturers.
Since replacing the AS 9000 standard in 1999, AS9100 has demonstrated
its effectiveness through more consistent verification methods
and expectations as well as fewer verification audits for the
industry. The bottom line: improved supplier performance and
reduced oversight costs.
Organizations within the aerospace industry use different
verification requirements. Some use their own external auditors
to verify suppliers’ quality management systems or share
their quality system audit results with industry suppliers.
Most provide suppliers with copies of external audits and permit
them to share audit results with their own customers.
Based on the AS9100 Standard, AS9110 adds specific requirements
for the maintenance and repair of private, commercial, and military
aircrafts (repair stations).
This standard defines the quality system requirements and offers
additional comprehensive requirements/criteria for overhaul
facilities and the maintenance repair for the aircraft industry
at all levels of the MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul)
process.
An example of such a potential organization is an FAA-certified
repair station. All those seeking PMA (Parts Manufacturing Approval)
from the FAA to manufacture aircraft components and parts would
also utilize AS9110. It should be noted that the specific quality
management system requirements in this standard are complementary
(not alternative) to regulatory requirements and contractual
and applicable law.
This designation is for those aspiring to become an aerospace
experience auditor (AEA) and audit in aerospace.
The requirements for becoming an AEA are complex and often
misunderstood; they are cited in aerospace standard AS9014,
Americas Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG) Requirements for Aerospace
Quality Management Systems Certification/Registrations Programs.
AEAs are required to be familiar with the AS9104 trilogy.
The AS9104 Standard, which applies internationally, defines
the requirements for aerospace quality management system (AQMS)
certification and registration programs. AS9014 defines how
the international requirements will be implemented in the Americas
Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG). AS9104 has been restructured
into three documents, generally referred to as the trilogy:
- AS9104/1 - Addresses the basic rules, roles, responsibilities,
and requirements of AQMS registration/certification programs
- AS9104/2 - Addresses the requirements for oversight of AQMS
certification/registration programs
- AS9104/3 - Addresses the requirements for aerospace auditor
competency and training courses
AS9104/2 and AS9104/3 were released in March 2007, and AS9104/1
is currently being drafted. AAQG intends to remove AS9014 when
all of its requirements are incorporated in the AS9104 trilogy.
AS9104/2 will become effective January 1, 2008, and AS9104/3
will become effective June 1, 2008.
The intent is to use AS9104/3 as the source for all auditor
training requirements. AIR5493, Revision A, which has served
as the source of many of these requirements, will be withdrawn
at some point in the future.
“IAQG” stands for the International Aerospace Quality
Group. Its purpose is to implement initiatives that make significant
improvements in quality and reductions in cost throughout the
value stream by establishing and maintaining dynamic cooperation,
based on trust, between international aerospace companies. The
IAQG is largely responsible for developing the AS9100 standards.
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