Does AS9100 require FAI ?

Title: Does AS9100 require FAI? A Deep Dive into the Aerospace Industry's Quality Management System

The aerospace industry is one of the most critical industries, with a focus on ensuring quality and compliance standards. One of the most important standards that companies strive to achieve is AS9100, which certifies that a company has implemented a robust quality management system tailored specifically for the aerospace sector. However, there is a common question that arises: does AS9100 require FAI (First Article Inspection)? In this article, we will explore the relationship between AS9100 and FAI and provide an overview of the aerospace industry's quality management system.

Understanding AS9100:

AS9100 is an industry-specific quality management standard that organizations must comply with to demonstrate their ability to meet the rigorous standards set by the aerospace industry. It is important to understand that AS9100 does not explicitly require FAI, but it does emphasize the importance of rigorous inspection and verification processes. AS9100 states that organizations must establish controls for verifying that product requirements have been met, including ensuring proper documentation, traceability, and conformity evaluation.

FAI: The Importance of Thorough Inspections:

First Article Inspection, or FAI, is a meticulous process that ensures the initial production run of a new part meets all engineering, design, and specification requirements. The aim is to verify the manufacturing processes, tooling, and documentation to ensure that the part will consistently meet the required standards throughout its production cycle. FAI is commonly used in the aerospace and defense industry to minimize the risks associated with potential defects and non-conformance.

The Link Between AS9100 and FAI:

While AS9100 does not explicitly require FAI, it does emphasize the importance of rigorous inspection and verification processes. By conducting thorough inspections and verifications, companies can identify and address any potential quality issues before full-scale production. This ensures that the final product meets the required standards and is free from defects.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while AS9100 does not explicitly require FAI, it does emphasize the importance of rigorous inspection and verification processes. Many aerospace companies voluntarily implement FAI as part of their quality management system to meet the rigorous standards set by AS9100. By implementing FAI, companies can minimize the risks associated with introducing new products or changes to existing products and ensure that the final product meets the required standards.