In the aerospace industry, reliability and quality are critical aspects that cannot be compromised. Here, the mistakes and failures of products and services can have life-threatening consequences. An effective functioning of aerospace management system can help eliminate some of these problems, providing a framework for organisations to build products and services that ensure quality and reliability
A number of standards have been developed by the global aerospace industry to achieve quality and reliability while also providing a framework for an effective aerospace management system. These standards are accepted by the leading aerospace organizations and suppliers. A number of regulatory bodies around the globe also recognise these standards.
AS 9110 standard decides the specific requirements that are crucial for the maintenance of aerospace vehicles, including private, commercial, and military vehicles. It includes the aerospace-specific requirements based on ISO 9001 standards. AS 9110 was developed for MRO and CAMO-affiliated companies that repair and maintain aerospace vehicles for the military and commercial sectors, or those that build aircraft parts under the FAA PMA regulations.
Another aerospace quality management system standard is AS 9120 that is again based on the ISO 9001 standards. In the AS 9120 standard, the focus is on the quality requirements of aerospace stockists and distributors.
The AS 13100 AESQ Standard for Aero Engine Design and Production Organisations was created to harmonize supplier quality requirements along with requirements of the AS 9100 for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organisations as well as the AS 9145 Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Approval Process.
AS 13100 creates a common set of requirements with common reference materials to enhance efficiency, understanding, and performance. It significantly simplifies the business operations of suppliers with multiple customers. However, the main goal of this new standard is to improve the product quality by bringing attention to the systems and processes that are currently preventing consistent aerospace engine quality.
Earlier, the Aerospace Engine Manufacturers determined their supplier quality requirements according to 9100 standards but later had varying supplemental requirements and guidance with similar intent. These supplemental requirements arise from the need to fulfil customer, business, industry and regulatory requirements not covered by 9100 and 9145 standards. These requirements intend to set higher standards for anticipated performance in the above key areas and in-depth guidance is given to ensure proper expectations.
The AS 13100 standard is not certified by a third party. It is a self compliant standard and the Aerospace Engine customer can use this standard to conduct audits for their supply chain.