Standards Comparison

    CAA

    Mandatory
    1970

    U.S. federal law regulating air emissions and quality standards

    VS

    AS9110C

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for MRO quality management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    CAA mandates air quality compliance for all industries via emissions standards and permits, enforced by EPA penalties. AS9110C is a voluntary QMS certification for aerospace MROs ensuring safe maintenance. Companies adopt CAA for legal survival, AS9110C for market access.

    Air Quality

    CAA

    Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Cooperative federalism: EPA standards, state implementation
    • NAAQS for six criteria pollutants health protection
    • Technology-based NSPS/MACT emission standards sources
    • Title V consolidated enforceable operating permits
    • Multi-layered enforcement penalties citizen suits
    Quality Management

    AS9110C

    AS9110C: Quality Management Systems for Aviation Maintenance Organizations

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Configuration management and traceability controls
    • Counterfeit and suspect parts prevention
    • Risk-based thinking in maintenance planning
    • Human factors and competence requirements
    • Project management for MRO activities

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CAA Details

    What It Is

    Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute governing air pollution from stationary and mobile sources. Its primary purpose is protecting public health and welfare via ambient standards and emission controls. Key approach: cooperative federalism, where EPA sets national floors (NAAQS, NSPS) and states implement through SIPs and permits.

    Key Components

    • NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary levels.
    • SIPs, nonattainment planning, NSR/PSD.
    • Technology standards: NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT.
    • Title V operating permits, Title II mobile sources, Title IV/VI special programs.
    • Enforcement via §113 penalties, sanctions. No central certification; compliance via enforceable permits/SIPs.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for emitters to avoid civil/criminal penalties, sanctions, FIPs. Manages risks from nonattainment, permitting delays. Strategic benefits: ESG performance, efficiency via trading, stakeholder trust, operational flexibility.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: regulatory gap analysis, emissions inventory, permitting (Title V/NSR), control installs, CEMS monitoring, reporting (CEDRI/ECMPS). Applies to major sources nationwide; ongoing audits, renewals every 5 years.

    AS9110C Details

    What It Is

    AS9110C (Quality Management Systems Requirements for Aviation Maintenance Organizations) is a certification standard derived from ISO 9001:2015, tailored for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organizations. Its primary purpose is to ensure safe, compliant aviation maintenance through risk-based thinking (RBT) and PDCA cycles, addressing aerospace-specific risks like configuration and counterfeit parts.

    Key Components

    • 10 clauses in ISO High Level Structure (HLS): Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
    • Core areas: configuration management, counterfeit prevention, human factors, traceability, supplier controls.
    • Built on ISO 9001 with MRO additions; requires certification via accredited audits demonstrating operational effectiveness.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets customer/OEM contracts, regulatory alignment (FAA/EASA Part-145).
    • Mitigates safety risks, reduces rework/AOG events.
    • Enhances market access, efficiency (5-12% labor cost reduction), stakeholder trust.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, pilot, audits, certification (6-12 months typical).
    • Applies to MROs globally; involves training, eQMS, internal audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CAA
    Air quality standards, emissions, permits, enforcement
    AS9110C
    QMS for aviation MRO, maintenance processes, safety

    Industry

    CAA
    All industries, environmental compliance nationwide
    AS9110C
    Aerospace MRO organizations globally

    Nature

    CAA
    Mandatory federal regulation with enforcement
    AS9110C
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    CAA
    CEMS monitoring, stack tests, electronic reporting
    AS9110C
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits

    Penalties

    CAA
    Fines, sanctions, FIPs, criminal liability
    AS9110C
    Loss of certification, market exclusion

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CAA and AS9110C

    CAA FAQ

    AS9110C FAQ

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