AS 9100 - Aerospace Quality

WHAT IS AS 9100?
Background/History
Main Drivers
Why choose DQS?

WHAT IS AS 9100?

AS 9100 is the Quality Systems Aerospace Model for Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production, Installation and Servicing. AS 9100 was developed using the ISO 9001, AS 9000, and EN9000-1, and builds upon their requirements to produce a globally-harmonized standard that meets the requirements of aerospace companies worldwide. The first standard available for use across the global aerospace community, AS 9100 adds the additional requirements necessary to address both civil and military aviation and aerospace needs.

Background/History

The AS 9000 was developed in 1997 by the American Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG) to promote quality, safety and technology standards across all aspects of air transport. AS 9000 has been developed to meet the complex and unique demands of the aerospace industry, from commercial aviation to defense. It is based on the essential requirements of ISO 9001:1994 – Model for Quality Assurance in Design, Development, Production, Installation and Servicing. The requirements of AS 9000 are complementary to those of ISO 9001:1994.

AS 9100 was released in late 1999 by the SAE International (Land Sea Air and space Division) following the Final Draft version (June 1999). It is supported by the American Aerospace Quality Group (AAQG). The comparable European version EN9100 is supported by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). AS 9100 is directly aligned with the format and 20 elements of ISO 9001 Standard. It addresses both “design” and “non-design” responsible companies. Its 28 pages (50% more than AS 9000) contain many new requirements, and numerous points of emphasis, clarification and interpretation specific to the Aerospace industry. In 2001, SAE has released AS 9100 Rev.A , which contains two sections: Section 1 represents the AS 9100 requirements based on the ISO 9001:2000 model, while Section 2 represents AS 9100, still lined up to the ISO 9001:1994 document. Section 2 will become obsolete on December 15, 2003.

Main Drivers

In view of the fact that safety and reliability are vital issues in the aerospace industry, the requirements for quality management are second to none. Manufacturers, suppliers and service organizations succeeding in this highly competitive global market are those who regard quality management as a key business driver. Independent AS 9100 registration is a presentation of their commitment to quality, safety and reliability. Through the AAQG and IAQG, the Aerospace Industry is clearly indicating that the whole aerospace supply chain will be expected to comply with AS 9100 and it’s derivatives such as AS 9110 for Repair and Overhaul facilities and AS 9120 for Pass-through Aerospace Distributors. Many large Aerospace OEMs have indicated that certification to the AS 9100 document though the Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) process will result in less oversight of the suppliers. The Boeing Company has already indicated that they expect new suppliers to be certified to AS 9100 and existing suppliers are being “strongly encouraged” to do so, as well.

Why choose DQS?

The AS 9100 service is characterized by:

• Professional and competent AS 9100 auditors worldwide possessing extensive aerospace experience
• SAE AIR 5359A Qualified auditors
• Optional pre-assessment audit to determine readiness for AS 9100 registration,

AS 9100 compliance assessment and registration coupled with ISO 9001 registration if needed.

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