Certifications for Aerospace Logistics

Standards and Certifications in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry and aerospace logistics have very strict processes regarding assembly and aircraft manufacture, from the provision of aircraft parts to quality controls. The International Aerospace Quality Group has developed the AS9100 standard for this industry, based on ISO 9001. This standard covers the entire supply chain, from the companies that design and manufacture equipment, accessories, and aircraft parts, to those that offer maintenance and overhaul services.

Every country must comply with this quality standard, but the name of the standard may vary by region. In the Americas it is called AS9100, while in Europe it is called EN9100 and in Asia and the Pacific it is called JISQ9100.

There are many different companies authorized to issue AS9100 certification; they are called certification bodies. All of them will follow the following three specific steps: 

• Prior Audit/Diagnosis: The company examines the applicant’s current quality management system and evaluates it based on AS9100 standards in order to identify areas for improvement.

• Formal Audit: The certifying body checks to see how the applicant has implemented its recommendations based on the AS9100 standards. It issues a report, and if corrections are needed, they must be addressed as quickly as possible.

• Certification and Support: After the formal audit, an AS9100 certification is issued. The certification is valid for three years. During this time, the certification auditor for your company will ensure compliance and check for improvements to the system.

Nadcap accreditation is another important requirement to have in the aerospace industry. It is geared towards companies that provide aircraft parts and involves audits aimed at simplifying the supply chain. There are various subtypes of Nadcap accreditation specific to the chemical process, heat treatment, etc.

Standards Associated with AS9100

• AS9110
  Establishes criteria for companies that provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services to commercial, private, and military aircrafts. This standard also applies to companies that make aircraft parts and components in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval).
• AS9120
  This standard is designed for authorized distributors and stakeholders who sell, distribute, and store aircraft components (it does not apply to value-added distributors).
• AS9003
  This standard is a “reduced” version of AS9100 and was specifically developed for small businesses, outside of the industry, that have agreements with companies in the aerospace industry. It covers companies providing inspection and quality system services.

At TIBA, we work with companies that meet these standards and accredited certification bodies in order to ensure compliance with international guidelines for aerospace logistics. Do you have a project involving aerospace logistics? Call us, and we’ll give you more information.