AS9110C
Aerospace standard for MRO quality management systems
NERC CIP
Mandatory standards for BES cybersecurity and reliability.
Quick Verdict
AS9110C provides QMS certification for aerospace MROs emphasizing maintenance safety, while NERC CIP mandates cybersecurity for electric utilities protecting grid reliability. Organizations adopt AS9110C for market access; CIP for regulatory compliance.
AS9110C
AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance
Key Features
- Tailored QMS for aviation MRO organizations
- Counterfeit parts prevention and detection controls
- Strict configuration management and traceability requirements
- Operational risk-based thinking embedded throughout
- Alignment with FAA/EASA Part-145 regulations
NERC CIP
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability Standards
Key Features
- Risk-based tiered categorization of BES Cyber Systems
- Electronic/physical security perimeters and access controls
- 35-day patch evaluation and 15-day log reviews
- Mandatory incident response planning and testing
- Supply chain cybersecurity risk management
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, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. Built on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure, it adds aerospace-specific requirements for safety-critical maintenance processes using a risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, traceability, supplier controls.
- Emphasizes documented information, competence, and operational evidence.
- Certification via accredited registrars with internal audits and management reviews.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets contractual OEM/airline requirements; aligns with FAA/EASA Part-145.
- Reduces risks like safety incidents, rework, AOG events.
- Boosts market access, efficiency (5-12% cost savings), customer trust.
- Enables OASIS listing for supply-chain competitiveness.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, rollout, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Involves training, eQMS tools, leadership commitment.
- Applies to MROs of all sizes globally; requires 3+ months operational data pre-certification.
NERC CIP Details
What It Is
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards are mandatory Reliability Standards from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). They mandate cybersecurity and physical protections for the Bulk Electric System (BES) to avert misoperation or instability. Adopting a risk-based, tiered model, they categorize BES Cyber Systems as High, Medium, or Low impact.
Key Components
- **CIP-002 to CIP-014Asset identification (CIP-002), governance/training (CIP-003/004), perimeters (CIP-005/006), system security (CIP-007), response/recovery (CIP-008/009), configuration (CIP-010), supply chain (CIP-013).
- ~45 requirements across standards with recurring cycles (15/35 days).
- Enforcement via audits, penalties by NERC/FERC.
Why Organizations Use It
- Regulatory compliance for BES entities in North America.
- Mitigates cyber threats to grid reliability.
- Boosts resilience, cuts outage risks/insurance costs.
- Enhances trust with regulators/stakeholders.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping, policies, controls, testing, audits. Targets utilities/generators; ongoing via annual audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | AS9110C | NERC CIP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Aerospace MRO QMS with maintenance controls | BES cybersecurity and physical protection |
| Industry | Aerospace maintenance organizations globally | Electric utilities in North America |
| Nature | Voluntary certification standard | Mandatory enforceable reliability standards |
| Testing | Internal audits and management reviews | Annual compliance audits with evidence retention |
| Penalties | Loss of certification and market access | FERC fines up to millions per violation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS9110C and NERC CIP
AS9110C FAQ
NERC CIP FAQ
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