AS9100
Aerospace quality management system extending ISO 9001.
AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aircraft maintenance organizations
Quick Verdict
AS9100 provides QMS for aerospace design/manufacturing, ensuring product safety and supply chain integrity. AS9110C tailors it for MRO, emphasizing maintenance traceability and airworthiness. Organizations adopt them for certification, market access, and risk reduction in high-stakes aviation.
AS9100
AS9100D:2016 Aerospace Quality Management Systems
Key Features
- Explicit product safety controls across lifecycle (8.1.3)
- Configuration management ensuring design integrity (8.1.2)
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection (8.1.4)
- Operational risk management in production (8.1.1)
- Enhanced supplier controls and traceability (8.4)
AS9110C
AS9110C: QMS Requirements for Aircraft Maintenance Organizations
Key Features
- Risk-based thinking in maintenance planning
- Configuration management and traceability controls
- Counterfeit parts prevention processes
- Human factors in competence and audits
- Alignment with FAA/EASA regulatory requirements
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
AS9100 Details
What It Is
AS9100D (2016) is the international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation, space, and defense. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with over 100 aerospace-specific requirements, using a process-based, risk-focused approach across 10 clauses aligned to Annex SL structure.
Key Components
- Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aerospace additions: configuration management (8.1.2), product safety (8.1.3), counterfeit prevention (8.1.4), operational risks (8.1.1), enhanced supplier controls.
- Built on PDCA cycle; certification via accredited third-party audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures supply chain reliability, reduces defects, improves delivery.
- Often contractually required by OEMs for market access.
- Mitigates safety risks, enhances traceability, builds stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, internal audits, certification (6-18 months).
- Applies to manufacturers, designers, MROs globally; cross-functional effort needed.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international quality management system (QMS) certification standard for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. It extends ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific controls, employing risk-based thinking (RBT), PDCA cycles, and high-level structure (HLS) to ensure airworthiness, traceability, and regulatory alignment.
Key Components
- 10 clauses (4-10) covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- MRO emphases: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, project management.
- Built on ISO 9001; requires documented information, internal audits, management reviews.
- Third-party certification model via IAQG-recognized bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs/airlines; aligns with FAA/EASA Part-145.
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events, boosts efficiency.
- Enables OASIS listing, market differentiation, supply-chain trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits (6-12 months).
- Targets global MROs; needs eQMS, auditor training, operational evidence prior to certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9100 | AS9110C |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Design, manufacturing, assembly of aerospace products | Maintenance, repair, overhaul of aircraft/components |
| Industry | Aviation, space, defense manufacturers globally | Aviation MRO/repair stations globally |
| Nature | Voluntary QMS certification standard | Voluntary QMS certification standard |
| Testing | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance | Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market exclusion | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9100 and AS9110C
AS9100 FAQ
AS9110C FAQ
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