AS9102 Rev C

AS9102 Rev C is the revision C version of the AS9102 standard that defines requirements for First Article Inspection (FAI) in the aerospace and defense industry. It specifies how organizations document and verify that a production process can consistently manufacture parts that meet engineering and specification requirements.

The standard is widely applied to new part introductions, changes to design or manufacturing processes, and changes to manufacturing location or suppliers. AS9102 Rev C maintains the core intent of earlier revisions but refines definitions, clarifies applicability, and updates expectations for forms, documentation, and traceability.

What AS9102 Rev C covers

Within manufacturing operations, AS9102 Rev C commonly includes:

• First Article Inspection (FAI) planning, including defining when a full or partial FAI is required
• Characteristic accountability, such as listing all drawing and specification characteristics and their inspection results
• Dimensional, material, and process verification, including evidence of special process and material conformance
• Use of standard FAI forms, such as Form 1 (Part Number Accountability), Form 2 (Product Accountability), and Form 3 (Characteristic Accountability)
• Record retention and traceability expectations for completed FAI packages

In practice, AS9102 Rev C requirements may be met using paper packets, spreadsheets, or digital FAI and MES systems that capture characteristics, inspection results, and approvals tied to work orders or lots.

Operational meaning in manufacturing

For regulated aerospace manufacturing environments, AS9102 Rev C commonly shows up as:

• A customer or contract requirement to perform and document FAI for specified parts
• Configured FAI workflows in MES, QMS, or FAI software, often including ballooned drawings and characteristic lists
• Defined triggers for re-accomplishing FAI after design changes, process changes, or supplier changes
• Evidence packages used in AS9100 audits, customer audits, or source inspections

Common confusion

• AS9102 vs. AS9102 Rev C: “AS9102” refers to the standard in general, while “AS9102 Rev C” refers specifically to the current revision C text of that standard. Many users say “AS9102” even when they are applying Rev C.
• AS9102 vs. AS9100: AS9102 Rev C addresses First Article Inspection requirements. AS9100 is a broader aerospace quality management system standard. An organization may follow AS9100 as its QMS framework and use AS9102 Rev C for its FAI processes within that system.

Relation to digital systems

In modern aerospace operations, AS9102 Rev C requirements are often implemented using:

• MES or digital traveler systems that mark operations as FAI-relevant
• Integrated FAI modules that manage ballooned characteristics, measurement entries, and electronic sign-offs
• QMS or document control systems that store FAI reports for audit and customer access

The standard itself is technology-neutral; references to digital tools relate to how organizations operationalize and document compliance to AS9102 Rev C within their manufacturing and quality systems.