Supplier Communications
First Article Inspection FAQs
- Why is Boeing adding a new requirement for first article inspection (FAI)?
- Why should we make the change? What are the benefits?
- How will the AS9102 requirement be imposed?
- What about existing work that I do for Boeing?
- Both AS9100 and AS9003 reference the FAI Standard AS9102 as a Note and they state to utilize it for guidance. Which is it, a guide or a requirement?
Why is Boeing adding a new requirement for first article inspection (FAI)?
AS9102 does not represent a new requirement for producers who already have AS9100/EN9100 compliant quality systems. The requirement for an FAI process already exists. Section 4.10.6 of AS9100/EN9100 states,
"4.10.6 First Article Inspection: The supplier's system shall provide a process, as appropriate, for the inspection, verification, and documentation of the first production article."
AS9102 clarifies this requirement and will standardize its implementation across our industry. That is not to say that the adoption of AS9102 by the industry will not represent a significant change to some producers. If it did not represent a change, then it would not be worth doing.
Why should we make the change? What are the benefits?
The key benefits from AS9102 will be that it clearly answers the larger questions revolving around the conduct of the FAI:
- 1. WHEN -- AS9102 (Sections 5.1 & 5.2) clearly and definitively specifies when an FAI, or a delta FAI, must be conducted.
- 2. WHAT -- AS9102 (Sections 5.1 & 5.6) describes what component of the end item must be included in the FAI and what inspections/verifications must be conducted on those components and their associated processes.
- 3. HOW -- AS9102 (Sections 5.7 through 6.7) specifies how the FAI must be documented.
Note: Boeing will allow the use of equivalent FAI forms in lieu of those specified within AS9102, however they must contain information equivalent to the AS9102 forms.
How will the AS9102 requirement be imposed?
The actual AS9102 requirement will come through a quality note added to the purchase document. After Nov. 1, 2001, all new contracts from The Boeing Company that require FAI will stipulate AS9102 as the standard. Products built under those contracts must have an FAI record that complies with AS9102.
What about existing work that I do for Boeing?
Some Boeing Divisions may issue contracts that impose the AS9102 requirement for existing products. In that case, the following rules will apply:
- FAI records for existing products DO NOT need to be updated to comply with AS9102 standards.
- A Delta FAI must be conducted for any changes to parts or processes covered by AS9102 guidelines (see Section 5.2 of AS9102).
- The Delta FAI record must meet the AS9102 standards.
Both AS9100 and AS9003 reference the FAI Standard AS9102 as a Note and they state to utilize it for guidance. Which is it, a guide or a requirement?
A guide. When compliance to AS9102 is mandatory, it will be referenced as such in the Purchase Order/Contract. In the absence of any contractual requirement, compliance is not mandatory. However, the supplier must have an FAI process and should utilize AS9102 for guidance.