In the aerospace and defense industry, quality isn’t just expected—it is mandatory. Every component, assembly, or system used in aircraft manufacturing must meet strict engineering, safety, and performance requirements. One of the most important compliance processes in this industry is the First Article Inspection (FAI) following the AS9102 Rev. C standard.
For suppliers in Southern California and across the United States, ensuring full compliance with AS9102 Rev. C can be challenging without the right guidance. Engineering documentation, measurement requirements, material specifications, and FAI package creation often require industry expertise, experience, and precision.
This is where Innovative Quality Partners (IQP) comes in. We provide end-to-end FAI AS9102 Rev. C consulting and training services to help suppliers meet aerospace requirements with confidence. From creating a compliant FAI package to training teams on Rev. C requirements, IQP ensures that your organization meets customer and regulatory expectations with zero errors.
This blog will serve as your complete guide to AS9102 Rev. C, FAI requirements, and how our consulting and training solutions strengthen your aerospace compliance program.
What Is AS9102 Rev. C?
AS9102 is the aerospace standard that defines the requirements for performing and documenting a First Article Inspection (FAI). The latest revision, AS9102 Rev. C, introduces clearer definitions, improved documentation requirements, and stronger controls for complex aerospace parts.
FAI (First Article Inspection) verifies:
- Conformance to engineering drawings
- Material specifications
- Process capability
- Manufacturing repeatability
- Proper documentation for all features
- Supplier consistency and reliability
FAIs are mandatory for aerospace, defense, and space sectors and required by major OEMs such as:
- Boeing
- Airbus
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
- SpaceX
- NASA (via AS9100-driven supply chain compliance)
If your organization supplies parts to any customer within the aerospace supply chain, AS9102 Rev. C compliance is not optional.
Why AS9102 Rev. C Matters More Than Ever
The aerospace industry has become increasingly strict with FAI requirements. Customers expect full traceability, error-proof documentation, and proof that a supplier can manufacture products consistently and correctly.
AS9102 Rev. C is important because:
- Requirements are more detailed compared to Rev B
- Drawings and specifications must be fully ballooned
- Characteristic accountability is mandatory
- Digital product definition (DPD) requirements are stricter
- Sub-tier supplier oversight is required
- Forms 1, 2, and 3 must be accurately filled
- A complete FAI package is required before production approval
Non-compliance can result in:
- Shipment holds
- Supplier disqualification
- Removed approvals
- Costly rework
- Audit nonconformities
Common Challenges Companies Face with AS9102 Rev. C Compliance
Despite having experienced teams, many suppliers struggle with Rev. C compliance due to complex engineering and document control requirements.
Typical challenges include:
- Incorrect or incomplete ballooned drawings
- Missing specifications or special requirements
- Errors in Form 1, 2, or 3
- Lack of measurement traceability
- Outdated revision levels
- Poor supplier documentation
- Misalignment between engineering & production
- FAI packages rejected by customers
These challenges delay shipments, increase operation costs, and lower supplier ratings.
How Innovative Quality Partners Helps You Achieve AS9102 Rev. C Compliance
With extensive aerospace industry experience, IQP provides a full suite of FAI AS9102 Rev. C consulting and training services tailored to your organization’s needs.
Here’s how we help:
- Full AS9102 Rev. C Gap Analysis
We assess your current FAI process to determine:
- Documentation gaps
- Missing traceability
- Form errors
- Drawing discrepancies
- Resource and training gaps
- Risks to compliance
- Ballooned Drawings & Characteristic Accountability
We help your engineering or quality team develop perfectly ballooned drawings using:
- CAD-based ballooning
- Digital Product Definition (DPD)
- Complete feature enumeration
- Special characteristics tagging
- Traceability requirements
Every characteristic is documented properly and linked to measurements.
- Complete FAI Package Development
IQP assists in preparing fully compliant FAI packages including:
- Form 1 – Part Number Accountability
- Form 2 – Material, Special Processes, Functional Testing
- Form 3 – Characteristic Accountability & Inspection Results
- Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
- Material & special process certs
- Test reports
- Manufacturing records
Your team receives an FAI package ready for customer approval.
- AS9102 Rev. C Employee Training
To ensure long-term compliance, we train:
- Quality engineers
- Manufacturing engineers
- Inspectors
- Document control specialists
- Production leads
Training includes:
- Understanding AS9102 Rev. C
- How to balloon drawings
- How to complete Forms 1–3
- How to identify special characteristics
- How to collect measurement data
- How to manage revisions & re-submissions
Your team learns through real-world examples and hands-on practice.
- Supplier FAI Oversight & Process Development
If sub-tier suppliers support your manufacturing, IQP helps establish:
- Supplier FAI requirements
- Documentation review process
- Approval workflows
- Supplier audit and corrective action plans
This ensures that your supply chain is compliant, not just your internal team.
- Ongoing FAI Audit & Maintenance Support
Our consultants provide continued support for:
- Annual FAI updates
- Production changes
- Engineering revision changes
- Partial FAIs and delta FAIs
- Audit preparation for AS9100 or customer audits
This proactive approach reduces nonconformities and increases supplier performance ratings.
Industries That Need AS9102 Rev. C Compliance
FAI is essential for suppliers in:
- Aerospace & defense manufacturing
- Precision machining
- Metal fabrication
- Composites & plastics
- Avionics & electronics
- Space components
- Engineering & design firms
- Advanced manufacturing laboratories
Southern California has one of the world’s largest aerospace bases, making AS9102 Rev. C compliance more important than ever.
Why Choose Innovative Quality Partners for AS9102 Rev. C Support?
Companies trust IQP because we provide:
Deep Aerospace Experience
We understand the complex nature of aerospace design, engineering, and production.
Accurate, audit-ready FAI packages
Our consultants produce documents that meet OEM requirements the first time.
Customized training based on real parts
We train your team using your drawings, your parts, and your processes.
Reduced delays & rejections
Fewer NCRs, better supplier scorecards, and improved customer satisfaction.
End-to-end support
From gap analysis → ballooning → forms → training → audit support.
Strengthen Your Aerospace Compliance with AS9102 Rev. C
Whether you’re working with new parts, processing revision changes, or expanding your aerospace capabilities, AS9102 Rev. C compliance is essential. A single mistake in your FAI can delay production, disrupt deliveries, and harm supplier ratings.
With Innovative Quality Partners, you get a strategic partner—not just a consultant. Our team ensures your FAI processes meet customer requirements, pass audits, and support long-term operational success.