AS9110C
Aerospace QMS standard for aviation maintenance organizations
ISO 56002
International standard for innovation management system guidance
Quick Verdict
AS9110C delivers certifiable QMS for aviation maintenance safety and compliance, while ISO 56002 offers guidance for systematic innovation across sectors. MROs adopt AS9110C for regulatory access; others use ISO 56002 to govern value-creating innovation.
AS9110C
AS9110C Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Tailored QMS for aviation maintenance organizations
- Configuration management and traceability requirements
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection controls
- Human factors in root cause analysis
- Operational risk-based planning and controls
ISO 56002
ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system guidance
Key Features
- PDCA cycle aligned management system framework
- High-Level Structure for ISO integration
- Leadership commitment and policy requirements
- Portfolio governance and uncertainty management
- Performance evaluation via KPIs and audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
AS9110C Details
What It Is
AS9110C (AS9110:2016 Rev C) is an international certification standard for quality management systems (QMS) in aviation maintenance organizations (MROs). It builds on ISO 9001:2015 with aerospace-specific requirements for repair stations and continuing airworthiness providers. Primary purpose: ensure safe, traceable maintenance meeting regulatory and customer needs. Key approach: risk-based thinking integrated into PDCA cycle across Clauses 4-10.
Key Components
- Core pillars: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Aviation additions: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, product safety, traceability.
- Built on Annex SL high-level structure; no fixed control count, but operational controls emphasized.
- Certification via IAQG-accredited bodies with OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets OEM/contract requirements; enables global market access.
- Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework, improves on-time delivery.
- Enhances regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA); builds stakeholder trust.
- Drives continual improvement and competitive edge in MRO sector.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to all MRO sizes globally; requires internal audits, management reviews.
- Certification demands 3+ months operational evidence before Stage 2 audit.
ISO 56002 Details
What It Is
ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard titled Innovation management — Innovation management system — Guidance. It provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an Innovation Management System (IMS). The primary purpose is to manage innovation as a repeatable capability for value creation, applicable to all organization types, sizes, and sectors. It follows a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle aligned with ISO's High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Seven core clauses (4-10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Eight principles: value realization, leadership, strategic direction, culture, portfolio thinking, uncertainty management, learning, stakeholder engagement.
- Non-prescriptive; no fixed controls, focuses on governance.
- Conformity via self-assessment or third-party audits; links to certifiable ISO 56001.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives strategic innovation, reduces 'innovation theater'.
- Improves portfolio governance, risk/uncertainty management.
- Enhances competitiveness, stakeholder trust; voluntary but boosts credibility.
- Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: diagnosis, design, pilot, scale, sustain.
- Involves gap analysis, policy development, training, audits.
- Suitable for all sizes/sectors; no mandatory certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9110C | ISO 56002 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace maintenance QMS with safety, traceability | Generic innovation management system guidance |
| Industry | Aviation MRO organizations worldwide | All sectors, sizes, innovation types globally |
| Nature | Certifiable QMS requirements standard | Non-certifiable guidance framework |
| Testing | Internal/external audits, certification cycles | Internal audits, management reviews optional |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, regulatory risks | No formal penalties, internal consequences only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9110C and ISO 56002
AS9110C FAQ
ISO 56002 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
You Guide on how to Start Implementing NIS2 in Your Organization
Master NIS2 implementation with our detailed guide. Learn requirements, risk assessment, supply chain security, and compliance steps for your organization. Star
Top 10 SOC 2 Mistakes Startups Make (and Fixes with Automation)
Avoid top 10 SOC 2 mistakes like scope creep & evidence gaps. See fail/pass visuals, client quotes, Vanta/Drata automation fixes for bootstrapped startups. Quic
CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & SaaS: A Practical Safeguard Playbook for AWS/Azure/GCP and Microsoft 365
Turn CIS Controls v8.1 into a cloud-first playbook for AWS, Azure, GCP & Microsoft 365. Get actionable IaaS/PaaS/SaaS safeguards, automation patterns, evidence
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
SAFe vs PRINCE2
Compare SAFe vs PRINCE2: Scale agile enterprises with SAFe's Lean-Agile flow or govern projects via PRINCE2's 7 principles & stages. Boost agility & control—choose now!
WEEE vs ISO 13485
Explore WEEE vs ISO 13485: EU e-waste rules meet medical QMS standards. Uncover compliance gaps, recycling targets, risk controls. Master strategies for success now!
NIST CSF vs SQF
Compare NIST CSF vs SQF: Key frameworks for cyber risk & food safety compliance. Discover differences, benefits & strategies to optimize your program today.