Form 3 (Characteristic Accountability)

Form 3 (Characteristic Accountability) is one of the three standard forms defined in AS9102 for First Article Inspection (FAI) in the aerospace and defense industry. It is used to list each design characteristic from the drawing or model and to record how that characteristic was verified, the results of the inspection, and whether it conforms to requirements.

What Form 3 typically includes

While exact layouts may vary by organization or software, Form 3 commonly contains:

• A complete list of drawing or model characteristics (often linked to balloon numbers)
• Reference to the associated drawing zone or feature ID
• Specification or tolerance limits for each characteristic
• Measurement or verification method and gage or instrument used
• Actual measured values or pass/fail indication
• Status of each characteristic (e.g., acceptable, nonconforming, not applicable)
• Links or references to any approved deviations, concessions, or waivers

In digital FAI workflows, Form 3 is often generated from ballooned drawings or 3D models, with each characteristic tied to an inspection record and, in some cases, to upstream routing steps or operation plans.

Role in manufacturing and quality workflows

Within an AS9102 FAI package, Form 3 connects design data to inspection evidence. It is used to:

• Demonstrate that every required characteristic has been identified and accounted for
• Provide traceable inspection results for each characteristic
• Support internal and customer reviews of FAI completeness and accuracy
• Feed nonconformance, MRB, or CAPA workflows if any characteristic does not meet requirements

Operationally, Form 3 may be integrated with MES, QMS, or specialized FAI software so that inspection results, gage IDs, operator IDs, and timestamps are captured electronically, supporting traceability and audit readiness.

What Form 3 is not

• It is not the cover sheet for the FAI; that is typically Form 1 (Part Number Accountability).
• It is not the record of material, special processes, or functional tests; those are normally captured on Form 2 or in attached certifications and reports.
• It is not a process control plan or control chart, although information from Form 3 can be used to inform those documents.

Common confusion

• Form 3 vs. ballooned drawing: The ballooned drawing visually numbers each characteristic. Form 3 is the structured list and inspection record for those numbered characteristics.
• Form 3 vs. inspection report: Many organizations use Form 3 as their primary FAI inspection report, but routine in-process or final inspection reports outside of FAI may use different formats.

Link to AS9102 and characteristic accountability

Within AS9102 workflows, Form 3 is the central instrument for characteristic accountability. It provides evidence that the manufacturer has identified all applicable design characteristics, verified them using defined methods and equipment, and recorded the results in a way that can be reviewed, retained, and traced for future builds, changes, or audits.