AS9102 FAI

AS9102 FAI refers to First Article Inspection performed and documented using the AS9102 aerospace standard. It is used to verify that a representative first production article conforms to the applicable engineering design, specifications, and related requirements before ongoing production proceeds.

In aerospace manufacturing, AS9102 FAI commonly results in a First Article Inspection Report, or FAIR. The report records part identification, drawing and revision information, material and process references, characteristic-level inspection results, and evidence that the planned production process can produce the part as defined.

AS9102 FAI is typically applied to new parts, new production methods, design changes, process changes, supplier changes, or production restarts when a new or partial FAI is required by customer or quality requirements. It is often managed across MES, QMS, PLM, ERP, inspection, and supplier collaboration systems because the data comes from drawings, routings, inspection plans, purchase records, and quality records.

AS9102 FAI should not be confused with routine in-process inspection or final inspection. Those checks may verify production units, while FAI documents the first-article evidence for a defined part, revision, and production process. Completing an AS9102 FAIR does not by itself certify an organization or guarantee acceptance by a customer; it is a structured record used in aerospace quality and traceability workflows.