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.
