FAIR (First Article Inspection Report)

A First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) is the documented record of a formal First Article Inspection (FAI). It captures evidence that an initial production part or assembly has been manufactured and measured against all applicable design, drawing, and specification requirements, and that the results meet those requirements within defined tolerances.

What a FAIR typically includes

In regulated and aerospace-focused manufacturing, a FAIR commonly contains:

• Identification of the part, revision level, drawing number, and related specifications
• Manufacturer and supplier details, including lot or batch information
• Ballooned (numbered) drawing characteristic list linking each requirement to an inspection result
• Measured values for dimensional, material, and functional characteristics
• Notes on special processes, treatments, or key characteristics when applicable
• References to supporting records (e.g., material certs, process certifications, test reports)
• Signatures or approvals from responsible quality and/or engineering representatives

Where FAIR is used in operations

Operationally, a FAIR is used to document that the manufacturing process for a new or changed part is capable of producing results that conform to requirements. It is often required:

• For new part numbers or first-time builds
• After significant design changes or drawing revisions
• After major process, tooling, or manufacturing location changes
• When required by customer, contractual, or industry standards such as AS9102

In many plants, FAIRs are generated or managed within quality systems, MES, or dedicated FAI software and may be exchanged electronically with customers or prime contractors.

Relationship to AS9102 and aerospace

In aerospace, FAIR commonly refers to the standardized reporting format aligned with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements. AS9102 describes typical forms and data elements for documenting FAIs on aviation, space, and defense products, but organizations may implement FAIRs in paper or digital formats as long as contractual and standard requirements are addressed.

What FAIR is not

• It is not routine in-process or final inspection for every lot, although it may reference those controls.
• It is not a statistical process capability study, even though it can trigger further analysis.
• It is not a general nonconformance report, although nonconformances found during FAI may be documented separately and referenced by the FAIR.

Common confusion

• FAI vs. FAIR: FAI refers to the inspection activity; FAIR is the documented report of that activity.
• PPAP vs. FAIR: In automotive, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) covers a broader submission package. A FAIR in aerospace is more narrowly focused on first article inspection results, though it can serve a similar verification role.