Elements of a Quality Management System

Answering Common Questions About AS9100 Standards

AS9100 standards are complete with the release of the final standards document in the trio, the AS9104. The AS9104 standard is made up of three standards: AS9104-1, AS9104-2, and AS9104-3. This newest addition, combined with the previous AS9100:2009 and AS9101:2009, comprise the complete international quality management system standards for the aerospace industry. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the AS9100 Standards.

 

What is AS9100?

 

The complete name for the AS9100 Standards is, “Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations.” The AS9100 Standards are international standards for quality management to be used by organizations that design, develop, or service the aviation, space, and defense industry.

 

What are the auditing requirements for AS9100?

 

The new auditing requirements for AS9100 are defined in AS9101: Quality Management Systems – Audit Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organizations.

 

Does AS9100 apply to distributors? 

 

If you are a distributor or procurer of parts, materials, and assemblies for customers in the aviation, space, and defense industry, you should use the AS9120 Standard: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Distributors.

 

Does AS9100 apply to maintenance organizations? 

 

If your organization’s primary business is providing maintenance to or continuing airworthiness management services for a civil or military aviation article or product, or if you are an original equipment manufacturer whose maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations are autonomous or substantially different from production operations, you should use the AS9110 Standard: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation Maintenance Organizations.

 

Is AS9100 only for the aerospace industry? 

 

The AS9100 Standard is primarily for the aviation, space, and defense industry, but can also be used in other sectors if their quality management system has requirements beyond ISO 9001. 

If you have more questions about how to interpret or adhere to the AS9100 Standards, contact us at Trident Quality Management Solutions. At Trident QMS, we can help your organization with the implementation and support of quality management systems, and we work with organizations of any size. Call us today, contact us online, or complete our free QMS assessment.

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