Aerospace quality standards are the regulations and guidelines that govern the design, manufacture, testing, and maintenance of products used in the aerospace sector. Organizations such as the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG), the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP), and the Federal Aviation Administration set these standards (FAA). These standards ensure that aerospace products meet safety, reliability, and performance requirements and that they are manufactured in a consistent and controlled manner. Some examples of aerospace quality standards are AS9100 (Quality Management Systems for Aerospace), AS9110 (Quality Management Systems for Maintenance Organizations), and AS9120 (Quality Management Systems for Distributors).
AS9100 is a quality management system standard designed primarily for the aerospace industry. It is based on the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems and includes additional standards particular to the aerospace industry. Organizations who have adopted AS9100 demonstrate that they have a strong quality management system in place and are committed to satisfying the specific requirements of the aerospace industry.
AS9110 is a quality management system standard designed primarily for aeroplane maintenance organisations. It builds on the standards of AS9100 by requiring additional maintenance of aircraft and aviation components. Organizations who have implemented AS9110 demonstrate that they have a strong quality management system in place for aircraft maintenance and are committed to satisfying the specific requirements of the aerospace sector.
AS9120 is a quality management system standard designed primarily for aerospace industry distributors.
It is based on ISO 9001 principles and incorporates additional requirements specific to distributors in the aerospace industry. It focuses on traceability, preservation, handling, packaging and labelling, as well as other requirements. Organizations that have implemented AS9120 indicate that they have a robust quality management system in place for aerospace product distribution and are committed to meeting the specific requirements of the aerospace industry.
The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) is a global organisation that brings together aerospace companies, governments, and trade associations to enhance quality and efficiency in the aerospace supply chain. IAQG develops and maintains the AS9100 family of quality management system standards, as well as the Aerospace Supplier Quality Management System (ASQMS) programme, to promote a common understanding of quality in the aerospace supply chain and to provide a platform for sharing best practises.
The National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program (NADCAP) is a global accreditation program that provides independent certification of aerospace and defense suppliers. NADCAP is an industry-managed program that provides a standardized approach to quality assurance and quality control for aerospace and defense suppliers. NADCAP assesses suppliers against quality standards set by the industry and gives accreditation to those who meet or exceed those standards.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. federal agency in charge of civil aviation safety. The FAA sets and enforces regulations and standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft components, as well as the operations of airlines and other aircraft operators. The FAA also regulates the certification of aircraft and aircraft components, as well as the training of pilots and other aviation professionals.
