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AS9100 FAQ

Frequently asked questions on the aerospace quality management standard.

For current AS9100D coaching and transition support, see AS9100 guidance and aerospace consulting.

What is the AS9100 Quality Management Standard?

AS9100 is the quality management system (QMS) standard specific to the aerospace industry. It includes the ISO 9001 standard and adds supplementary requirements that apply to aerospace — emphasizing areas that impact process and service safety, quality, and reliability. It is designed to meet the complex demands of the aerospace industry, from commercial aviation to defense, and to clarify OEM expectations for aerospace suppliers.

Requirements within AS9100 are complementary to contractual and applicable regulations. Organizations implementing a QMS conforming to AS9100 must also ensure that customer requirements, country regulatory agencies (such as the FAA and JAA historically), and applicable laws are referenced in system documentation.

First published in May 1997 by SAE as AS9000, the standard evolved through later revisions (including AS9100 Rev B / AS9100C-era editions referenced in older industry materials) and is recognized across major aerospace OEMs. It combines and harmonizes Americas (SAE) and European aerospace industry requirements. Aircraft and aerospace industries have recognized AS9100 as a means for continually improving quality and on-time delivery in the supply chain. Many major airframe and engine manufacturers require suppliers to be certified to AS9100.

What are the AS9100 family of standards?

The AS9100 QMS family comprises three primary standards:

  • AS9100 — Quality Management Systems — Aerospace Requirements (design, manufacture, and support).
  • AS9110 — Quality Maintenance Systems — Aerospace — Requirements for Maintenance Organizations. Focuses on maintenance, repair, and overhaul; complements expanded use of ISO 9001 by major aerospace repair stations.
  • AS9120 — Quality Management Systems — Aerospace — Requirements for Stockist Distributors. Focuses on organizations that accumulate aerospace materials and products for resale (“pass through” distributors). Value-added distributors are subject to the appropriate requirements of AS9100. See also our AS9120 FAQ.

Supplementary documents and tools amplify specific clause requirements and, in some cases, prescribe a defined methodology. Refer to the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) for current supporting publications.

Who does AS9100 apply to?

AS9100 certification can be used throughout the aerospace supply chain, including design and manufacture, airport and airline operations, replacement parts, supply and maintenance, cargo handling, overhaul and repair depots, and flight operations — wherever the organization’s scope fits the standard.

What are the benefits of certification to AS9100?

  • Access to aerospace industry best practices
  • Demonstrates commitment to deliver quality products and services
  • Aligns your QMS with the global aerospace industry standard
  • Improves new-market / new-customer prospects worldwide
  • Reduces multiple expectations and the number of 2nd- and 3rd-party audits
  • Independent feedback that fosters continual improvement
  • Improved customer satisfaction
  • Reduced organizational waste, inefficiencies, and defects
  • Improved process consistency and stability

What is the AS9100 certification process?

Most certification bodies (registrars) use a process similar to the following (details vary by CB):

  1. Apply for certification — The CB typically sends a questionnaire covering organization size, facilities, headcount, operations, industry category, proposed scope (sites, processes, products/services, exclusions), preferred audit dates, and key contacts. Engage in dialogue with the CB when completing this so you understand how the information will be used.
  2. Pre-assessment (optional) — A preliminary visit to review documentation and informally check implementation, uncover areas needing attention, and agree audit scope/program. Pre-assessment adds value a few months before the formal certification audit. Consultant auditors may identify gaps and advise on corrections; CB auditors report gaps but are not allowed to provide solutions.
  3. Certification — Two on-site stages: Stage 1 (system review and planning to confirm the system is designed to meet AS9100) and Stage 2 (verify effectiveness of the implemented system against the standard and quality-policy commitments).
  4. Surveillance — Regular visits (commonly every 6 or 12 months) review ongoing effectiveness. Results feed industry supplier information systems (historically OASIS / related IAQG databases) under applicable audit checklists.
  5. Re-certification — A complete QMS audit similar to initial certification, typically every three years.

Organizations planning certification must ensure an effective QMS is in place and that customer and regulatory requirements have been identified and addressed. Paradygm can help you prepare and, where useful, negotiate clearer commercial terms with your CB — call 1-855-702-9001 or request a quote.

What are the key supplementary requirements beyond ISO 9001?

Within AS9100, supplementary requirements extend many ISO 9001 clauses based on aerospace best practices. Key additions commonly highlighted include:

  • Key characteristics — managing variation when a key characteristic is identified (features whose variation significantly influences fit, performance, manufacturability, or service life).
  • Configuration management — critical for long product life cycles; begins in design and development and continues along the value stream.
  • Planning of product realization — emphasis on planning all phases to ensure conforming product.
  • Design and development — robust processes for aerospace safety and reliability.
  • Supplier management — additional requirements for identifying and maintaining suppliers across a long supply chain.
  • Effective communication — including clarifying engineering requirements, managing test specimens, and right of access to suppliers’ facilities.
  • Product safety and quality controls such as tooling control, traceability, monitoring and measuring devices, control of production-process changes, flow-down of quality requirements, foreign object detection (FOD), special processes, servicing, first article inspection (FAI), and control of nonconforming material.

Review the current AS9100 standard (AS9100D and any later IAQG publications) for complete coverage. Related pages: AS9100 guidance, AS9102 / FAI, FOD presentation, ISO 9001 vs AS9100.

What is the aerospace industry position on AS9100 conformity?

The industry continues to move toward requiring suppliers to be AS9100 compliant / certified. Certification can provide competitive advantage and the process approach and continual improvement foundation shared with ISO 9001. Major OEMs have long required AS9100 (or equivalent approved QMS schemes) for direct material suppliers, with timelines for new vs existing suppliers varying by customer.

Third-party certification is the common means of demonstrating conformity. Aerospace quality groups working with accreditation bodies establish processes and requirements for certification bodies and auditors (additional training and industry experience), with oversight of registrar management. Always confirm current customer and IAQG/OASIS expectations for your scope.

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