Yes, sometimes, but not by default. A supplier may use its own FAIR template only if customer requirements, contract language, and internal quality procedures allow it, and the template still captures all AS9102-required content in an equivalent, traceable way. If a customer, portal, or flowdown requires the standard forms, then using a custom template is usually not acceptable.

Suppliers should not rely on a brief note or informal judgment when deciding not to perform an FAI after a change. The rationale should be documented as a controlled, traceable risk-based decision that identifies the change, explains why FAI impact was assessed as none, cites objective evidence, and records approvals under the supplier’s quality system and customer requirements.

A full AS9102 first article inspection is generally required on the first production run of a new part and again when changes can affect fit, form, function, manufacturing process, location, tooling, or inspection method. The exact trigger is not universal. Customer flowdowns, contract terms, frozen planning, and prior approved partial FAIs all matter.

Software logs can help resolve audit questions about First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) changes by providing time-stamped, user-attributed records of what was changed, when, and why. Their value depends heavily on how well logging is configured, integrated with your AS9102/FAI process, and controlled within your validated, change-managed environment.

Manufacturers can prepare for advanced digital FAI by stabilizing AS9102 fundamentals, cleaning and structuring drawing/ballooning data, tightening part/revision master data, and mapping how FAI actually flows across PLM, ERP, MES, and QMS. Focus on pragmatic pilots, change control, and data readiness rather than assuming a full system replacement will solve FAI pain.

2D drawings are unlikely to disappear from aerospace FAI workflows in the near term. Model-based definition and 3D PMI are growing, but current AS9102 expectations, legacy tooling, supplier readiness, and regulatory habits still anchor many organizations to 2D. Most plants should plan for hybrid 2D/3D FAI, with careful version control and validation.

Before a digital FAI pilot, collect a clear baseline of how AS9102 first articles are handled today: current FAI volumes, lead time, touch time, rejections, defect and escape data, re-inspection rates, and rework cost. Also capture data on process, systems, and document flows to compare the pilot fairly and avoid over- or under-stating impact.

AS9102 does not prescribe a single IT architecture, but it does expect you to show clear, verifiable links between drawing requirements, the parts inspected, the tools and data used, and the results reported on Forms 1–3. In brownfield plants this usually means stitching together PLM, ERP, MES, and QMS data in a way that can be audited and maintained under change control.

Auditors typically do not review every AS9102 package. They sample a mix of recent and high‑risk First Article Inspections: Forms 1–3, supporting evidence (ballooned drawings, inspection records, certs), and related change-control documentation. Exact sampling depends on their audit scope, risk priorities, and the maturity of your processes and records.

Deciding between partial and delta FAI is driven by AS9102, customer / contractual requirements, and your internal FAI procedure. In practice, you trace the change back to affected characteristics, operations, tools, or materials and then determine whether to re-verify a subset of features (partial) or a narrower subset or single characteristic (delta). In mixed-system plants, you also need clear configuration control so you do not miss characteristics when deciding the FAI scope.

Software can strongly support AS9102 Rev C execution on Forms 1, 2, and 3 by enforcing data structures, mandatory fields, links to drawings/BOMs, and traceability to work orders and NCs. It cannot guarantee compliance on its own; effectiveness depends on configuration, integration to PLM/MES/ERP, validation, and disciplined change control in a brownfield environment.