The Checklist of Mandatory AS9100D Audit

AS9100 audits are essential components of an effective quality management system. Created by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) with input from aviation, space and defense entities, this standard forms part of a rigorous quality assurance protocol.

Under ISO 9001, companies must conduct regular quality management system audits based on risk and performance metrics.

1. Documentation
Understanding the requirements surrounding documentation for AS9100 is vital, including procedures and processes documented as well as a system to oversee their maintenance and control. A company must have sufficient resources in place in order to establish, implement and drive continuous improvement of its Quality Management System (QMS).

Documentation should also be readily accessible during an audit, including a complete copy of any standards as well as documents used during its conduct. An internal audit schedule based on risk and performance could also prove beneficial; full system audits could then occur annually.

Audit trails must be recorded during an audit to show what has been reviewed, evidence collected and interview notes. Turtle diagrams, spreadsheets or checklists may all help in creating these trails; customer scorecards or feedback reports can also help drive this effort.

2. Training
Aerospace companies must maintain high standards, so they must put in place an effective quality management system (QMS) to meet those expectations. This includes gathering documentation for an AS9100 audit as well as training their implementer, auditors and top management accordingly.

The AS9100 standard mandates a systematic approach to auditing using processes such as turtle diagrams or SIPOC, risk-based thinking and customer feedback in identifying audit trails; these trails may be used for specific assessments or as part of continuous quality and productivity enhancement initiatives.

No matter whether your audit team consists of employees on staff or external auditors such as Ledge, it is crucial that they receive adequate and thorough training in AS9100 auditing. Furthermore, you should make sure they do not focus on auditing areas they typically cover as part of their responsibilities – in addition to conducting an annual full internal AS9100 audit.

3. Implementation
Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) that adheres to AS9100 requirements is the cornerstone of certification. A properly run QMS must include an internal audit schedule as well as training programs for employees, and must remain managed and maintained properly to meet its purpose.

Plans should also be in place for dealing with nonconforming process outputs, including containment, segregation and disposal. Furthermore, an appropriate quality management system (QMS) should include sufficient monitoring and measurement systems in order to comply with AS9100 standard.

Beginning the implementation process is an integral step toward AS9100 Revision D certification, and Global Manager Group offers a documentation kit specifically designed to assist companies. It contains ready-made AS9100 documents such as quality manual, procedures, exhibits and over 700 audit checklists; its foundation lies within ISO 9001 standard clauses with additional notations to meet aerospace quality needs.

4. Auditing
Establish a comprehensive audit schedule that considers both risks and performance metrics. Audits should occur annually and cover all processes; top management should also participate.

Internal audits are not only required for an AS9100 certificate, but can also help your employees and top management prepare for the interview stage of a certification audit. Furthermore, an intensive internal audit with essential AS9100 audit questions will identify and rectify any nonconformances that arise.

To achieve AS9100 certification, both an internal audit and certification audit conducted by your chosen registrar must pass successfully. Both audits include interviews and record reviews on-site; depending on your company size an on-site audit could last several days while some registrars now provide remote AS9100 audits to provide more flexibility.