Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and GE Aviation suppliers — everything you need to know about achieving AS9100 certification.
Understanding AS9100
AS9100 Revision D is the aerospace industry quality management system standard, built on ISO 9001:2015 with additional requirements specific to aviation, space, and defense. These additional requirements cover configuration management, first article inspection, risk management, counterfeit parts prevention, and product safety.
For aerospace suppliers, AS9100 certification is the price of entry. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and virtually every aerospace prime contractor require AS9100 from their supply chain. Without it, you cannot bid on most aerospace contracts regardless of your technical capabilities.
Key AS9100-Specific Requirements
Beyond ISO 9001 base requirements, AS9100 adds critical clauses. Clause 8.1.1 requires operational risk management — identifying risks in your production processes and implementing controls. Clause 8.4.1 adds extensive requirements for external provider control, including flowdown of requirements and right of access. Clause 8.5.1.3 addresses product safety and counterfeit parts prevention.
These requirements reflect the zero-defect culture of aerospace manufacturing where quality escapes can have catastrophic consequences. As active AS9100 auditors, we see firsthand which requirements trip up suppliers most frequently and design implementation programs to address them proactively.
The Certification Journey
For Southeast aerospace suppliers, the AS9100 certification journey typically takes 9 to 15 months. The process includes gap assessment, system development, implementation, internal auditing, management review, and the two-stage certification audit. Stage 1 reviews documentation while Stage 2 evaluates implementation on the shop floor.
Choose a consultant who has experience as an AS9100 auditor — not just an implementer. Someone who writes nonconformance reports against AS9100 can help you build a system that withstands the rigor of the certification audit. Exceleor brings this active 3rd party auditor perspective to every AS9100 engagement.
Maintaining Certification
AS9100 certification requires annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years. But maintaining certification requires an active management system — ongoing internal audits, regular management reviews, effective corrective action processes, and continuous monitoring of key performance indicators.
The most common reason aerospace suppliers lose certification is complacency — letting the management system stagnate between audit cycles. Build your system for daily use, not just audit preparation. When your management system drives daily operations, maintaining certification becomes a natural outcome rather than a periodic scramble.
