What’s required to subcontract and manufacture parts for the aerospace industry? We talk to experienced pros with the most knowledge to find out. Here’s what a nearly 40-year-old precision machining shop and an independent auditing firm has to say.
Manufacturing parts for the aerospace industry can be a daunting undertaking, but one full of opportunity if you understand how to navigate the compliance, auditing and competitive bidding processes involved in obtaining the work. Between independent auditors and the large OEMs such as Boeing and Airbus, being a supplier and parts maker means many stages of standards’ certification—and compliance with suppliers and regulators—before you attempt to win in the bidding process.
The first step a shop should take in order to become an aerospace supplier is to develop a quality management system that is certified to the ISO9001/AS9100/AS9110 standard through a third party registrar, according to Matt Wardle, owner of JD Machine, a precision machining and fabrication manufacturer. JD Machine has been in business for 39 years in Ogden, Utah.
ISO9001:2015 is the basic quality management system standard for any type of organization, while AS9100:2016 is the aerospace-specific version for manufacturers and AS9110 applies to maintenance, repair and overhaul service suppliers for the aerospace industry.
“Typically you need that certification to even begin talking to the big aerospace companies,” says Wardle.
How to Develop a Quality Management System for Aerospace Standards: ISO9001, AS9100
JD Machine used an independent consultant to help set up their QMS and earn their certification, but according to Wardle the easiest way is to get started these days is with the help of your state’s manufacturing extension partnership (see sidebar).
“First, you have to document how you operate your quality system, and make sure it conforms to the ISO9001 and AS9100 standards,” says Wardle.
“The next step is to audit yourself, in order to find anything that needs to be fixed. This is actually a really good exercise because we are harder on ourselves than an auditor would be.”
At JD Machine, this internal audit is performed with the help of the company’s fourth-year CNC machine apprentices, who shadow an internal auditor in order to learn more areas of the business.
Once you have corrected any issues found by the internal audit, Wardle said, the next step is to hire a third party registrar to audit your company to the AS9100 standard. This registrar must be an accredited Certification Body (CB) listed in the International Aerospace Quality Group – Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (IAQG-OASIS) database.
When you get beyond standards’ certification in aerospace, there is also on-time delivery pressure. Learn real-world strategies for improving production processes to meet the overwhelming demand.
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I am just reaching out to inform you that Airflo Aviation Inc. is here at your service if you need any assistance. We do Aircraft structures parts. Repair, Overhaul, Modifications, Fabrication and Consultation. Our company is approved by Transport Canada. We certify are own work with high quality workmanship and pride. We have 40 plus years experience in the industry in all 4 sectors of aviation. Our shop is base in Calgary Alberta Canada. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email me or call. Thank you for your time.
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Airflo Aviation Inc. AMO 68-23
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Office: 403.236-1215 | Mobile: 587.435-3040
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