What is AS 9100?
AS 9100 is based on the ISO 9001:2000 quality system requirements. These requirements are supplemented by additional quality system requirements established by the aerospace industry, to satisfy DOD, NASA and FAA quality requirements. The development of the supplemental requirements was the result of an international effort by aerospace companies with a common goal of establishing a single quality management system for use within the aerospace industry. AS 9100 is a product of this international effort. The standard was developed by Working Group 11 of ISO TC20 and was supported by the International Aerospace Quality Group.
AS 9100 is the quality management system specific to the aerospace industry.
Why AS9100?
The international aerospace industry realized the necessity to supplement the ISO quality system model to satisfy internal, government, and regulatory requirements applicable to the aerospace industry-requirements that ISO, as a generic standard, was never designed to satisfy.
Is AS 9100 the same as AS 9000?
No, AS 9000 was released by SAE in May 1997, and it reflected the expectations of the American Aerospace Quality Group for aerospace suppliers. AS 9100 replaced AS9000 and it contains the common expectations of the international aerospace quality community.
Is AS 9100 recognized worldwide?
Yes, with clarification. The international working group
agreed on the text of this standard, but the agreement stipulates that
participating countries can release the standard under their own numbering
conventions. In
What are Supplier Requirements?
The industry is quickly moving toward requiring their subcontractors
and suppliers to be AS 9100 compliant and/or certified. By conforming to AS 9100 or becoming
registered by a third party, suppliers can gain a competitive advantage and
benefit from the improved processes and continuous improvement that is the
foundation of ISO 9001:2000 certified Quality Management Systems.
Effective Dec. 2003 the Boeing Company began requiring all Boeing suppliers to be BQMS (Boeing's Quality Management System) approved or have a waiver. AS 9100 Rev. B is a significant part of Boeing's BQMS requirements.
General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) was one of the first manufacturers to require AS 9000 compliance by all of their direct material suppliers. Currently, GEAE is requiring AS 9100 certification for all new suppliers, and existing suppliers have a gap audit and a certification audit performed to coincide with their existing surveillance audit schedule.
What is
the advantage of the new standard?
AS 9100 provides a uniformity that is missing from the
multitude of standards that aerospace suppliers are currently required to meet
and offers the opportunity for aerospace companies to implement a more
effective, value-generating quality management system.
How can I learn more?
Crucial Knowledge offers courses that familiarize companies with the
requirements of the standard and prepares employees to conduct internal audits
to the AS 9100 (Rev. B) standard.
For those involved in internal auditing or having responsible involvement in administering or managing compliance, we offer a 12-hour overview and familiarization course.
We are also offer RAB/QSA approved Auditor/Lead Auditor Aerospace
courses for persons who are already certified as provisional auditor, auditor
or lead auditor grades. This provides
the necessary approved training in conjunction with work experience to become
an RAB/QSA certified aerospace auditor.
Call
for a quote for on-site training, where you have control over schedule and
location. Or call for additional
information and employee/student assessments of past courses.
Contact: Gary
Burch, Program Manager
Crucial
Knowledge
301-412-5966