Glossary

Inspection evidence

Inspection evidence is documented proof that an inspection was performed and what result was found.

Audit and Compliance Readiness (AS9100, LPAs and Process Audits)Audit Readiness (AS9100)

Inspection evidence is documented information that shows an inspection was performed and records what was found. In manufacturing, it commonly supports traceability, quality review, nonconformance handling, customer reporting, and audit preparation.

Inspection evidence may include measured values, pass/fail results, sampling records, annotated drawings, photos, inspection checklists, equipment or gage identifiers, operator or inspector identification, timestamps, lot or serial numbers, and electronic approvals. In digital systems, it is often linked to a work order, traveler, part characteristic, inspection plan, or quality record.

The term does not usually refer to the inspection requirement itself, such as a drawing note or work instruction. It refers to the record or artifact showing that the required check occurred and what the outcome was. It is closely related to objective evidence, inspection records, and traceability data, but the exact contents depend on the process, product risk, and quality system context.

Yes. AI can be used to support aerospace inspection planning, but it does not remove requirements for approved inspection criteria, traceability, change control, validation, customer flow-downs, or human accountability. Constraints depend on the part, program, quality system, data controls, and how the AI output is used.

Do MRO organizations always need AS9100, or is AS9110 more suitable?

MRO organizations do not always need AS9100. AS9110 is specifically written for aerospace maintenance organizations and is often more suitable when you primarily perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul rather than design or new production. Customer, contractual, and authority requirements ultimately determine what is acceptable.

What MRO records are auditors most likely to request during a Part 145 inspection?

Auditors in a Part 145 inspection usually ask first for records that prove control of work, personnel, parts, tooling, and release decisions. The exact mix varies by authority, ratings, scope, and recent findings, but you should expect requests for work orders, maintenance release evidence, training and authorization records, calibration, traceability, and records showing how discrepancies and changes were controlled.

How detailed does our risk register need to be for certification?

There is no single "correct" level of detail for a risk register that guarantees certification. Auditors expect a risk register to be complete, traceable, and justified relative to your processes, regulations, and quality system. Level of detail must be enough to show systematic identification, evaluation, control, and review of risks, without becoming unmaintainable or inconsistent across the plant.

Related Glossary

Role responsibility

Role responsibility is the set of tasks, decisions, and accountabilities assigned to a defined job or system role.

Traceability evidence

Traceability evidence is recorded information that supports the history, status, and linkage of a product, part, material, or process.