Glossary

Aerospace quality management

Aerospace quality management is the set of processes used to control quality, records, traceability, and corrective action in aerospace work.

AS9100 Aerospace Quality Management Standard Quality, NCR, and Continuous Improvement

Aerospace quality management is the structured management of quality processes, records, controls, and corrective actions used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, and supply chain operations. It commonly covers how requirements are flowed down, how work is performed and inspected, how nonconformances are handled, and how objective evidence is maintained.

In industrial systems, aerospace quality management often involves quality management systems, production records, inspection plans, first article inspection, supplier quality, configuration control, traceability, audit preparation, and corrective and preventive action workflows. Standards such as AS9100 and AS9102 are commonly associated with these practices, but the term itself refers to the broader operational discipline rather than to certification or approval status.

Aerospace quality management should not be confused with quality control alone. Quality control focuses on inspection and verification activities, while quality management includes the wider system of planning, documentation, responsibilities, process controls, evidence, and improvement actions that support consistent execution.

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AS9100 is the overall aerospace quality management system standard, while AS9100D is its current revision. In practice, “AS9100” without a letter is often used generically, so you need to confirm which revision your contracts, procedures, and audits actually reference and ensure QMS documentation and evidence align with that version.

What is the AS9100 Quality Management System?

AS9100 is an aerospace-focused quality management system standard that builds on ISO 9001 with additional requirements for risk management, configuration control, special processes, and product safety. It defines how a QMS should be structured and managed, but does not guarantee compliance, audit outcomes, or product safety on its own. Effectiveness depends on implementation, validation, and day-to-day execution in your specific environment.

What is the new name for AS9100?

AS9100 has not been renamed. The current version is AS9100D (aligned with ISO 9001:2015), and it is still formally called “AS9100.” Revisions (B, C, D, etc.) are version identifiers, not new names. Always verify the latest valid revision and customer/contract requirements before changing your documented references.

What is the aerospace standard AS9100?

AS9100 is a quality management system standard for aviation, space, and defense organizations, based on ISO 9001 with additional aerospace-specific requirements. It defines how a QMS should be structured and controlled, but it does not guarantee regulatory compliance or audit outcomes. Implementation and evidence quality vary widely by site, integration, and process maturity.

Related Glossary

AS9100 documentation control

AS9100 documentation control is the management of approved quality documents, revisions, access, and records in an aerospace QMS.

Supplier Flowdown

Supplier flowdown is the transfer of applicable customer, quality, and technical requirements to suppliers.