subject: AS9100 - The Quality Standard For The Aerospace Industry [print this page] AS9100 was created to be the industry standard regulating and ensuring the quality of products for the aerospace industry. This standard encompasses all the requirements of ISO 9000 and adds additional requirements that relate to the unique reliability needs of the aerospace industry.
One of the unique set of requirements addresses configuration management. Due to the long life of aerospace parts, all of the key characteristics of the product must be managed. This includes product fit, performance, service life and manufacturability.
Another set of requirements within AS9100 addresses the need for control points during the design process. This requirement looks at the methodology required for process data being captured at key points. This ensures data capturing is occurring noting any unique characteristics for the product.
There are also seven specific requirements that have been added for communication. These include the clarifying of engineering requirements, managing test specimens, and the right of access to suppliers' facilities. The supplier requirements are critical to the business knowing specific information about each product. This may include the right of the business to conduct inspections or testing at the supplier's facility.
AS9100 certification requires a dedicated commitment to quality. Most of the aerospace industry have previously achieved and maintained ISO 9000 certification, so the incorporation of the AS9100 standards have been aligned with those requirements. Many aerospace and defense contractors worked closely on the design of this set of standards and the additional requirements were already in place.
The AS9100 certification is also very similar to the ISO certification process. It is written, reviewed, and audited internally to ensure all requirements have been met and are being complied with. An external registrar is hired to conduct the necessary audits and recommend certification. Once certification has been completed, the quality management system will manage, improve and maintain all the processes to ensure the best products are being provided.
AS9100 - The Quality Standard For The Aerospace Industry
