Important Standards and Regulations Every Aerospace Manufacturer Should Know
Every business that either works with an aerospace manufacturer or is involved in aerospace manufacturing understands that involvement in the aerospace industry requires adherence to a stricter set of standards and regulations than is required of a typical manufacturer. This article will describe some of the key regulations and standards that apply in the industry, and the benefits they provide.
ISO 9001 – ISO 9001 has been one of the most successful quality standards ever adopted by the aerospace manufacturing community. It was originally published in 1987, and it laid out the standards for quality management systems as they are known today. This standard provides an international, unified formula for manufacturing companies throughout a broad range of industries to adhere to.
AS9100 – While ISO 9001 provided a framework for quality standards, many leading aerospace companies eventually developed their own supplementary standards. These standards had few enforcement mechanisms and were highly varied, making it difficult for a contract aerospace manufacturer to serve more than a single client reliably. In 1999, several organizations came together to create the International Aerospace Quality Group, which developed the AS9100 standard. This standard incorporates the ISO 9000 standards, as well as additional elements that are specific to the aerospace manufacturing sector, such as product identification, traceability for contracted services, corrective action mechanisms, and first article inspection.
ITAR – Also known as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, ITAR applies to any aerospace manufacturer that produces components for products on the United States Munitions List (USML). These regulations control the export of technologies or manufacturing processes deemed to be crucial to the U.S. Military. It restricts access to information by non-U.S. citizens and limits where certain technologies can be sent. Due to the overlap between the civilian and defense aerospace markets, it’s important for companies to be aware of whether these laws apply to them, and register themselves under the law if so.
DPA – The Defense Production Act (DPA) has been in force since the 1950, and allows the U.S. Government to assume control of any aerospace manufacturer when needed to produce items deemed vital to national defense. Every aerospace manufacturer should be aware of their obligations under the DPA, and have plans in place to meet them if required.
Intrex Aerospace is a contract aerospace manufacturer that meets all of its obligations under these standards and regulations and offers a broad range of precision manufacturing services for companies in the aerospace industry. To learn more about our company and services, contact us today.
