SAE AS9100D is a quality management system standard specifically designed for organizations in the aviation, space, and defense industries. It builds upon ISO 9001:2015 requirements, adding industry-specific guidelines for safe development, production, and distribution of aerospace products and services.

AS9100D was developed by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) with input from aviation, space, and defense companies in the Americas, Asia/Pacific, and Europe.

SAE AS9100D was released on September 20, 2016.

AS9100D applies to organizations that:

• Design, develop, or manufacture aviation, space, and defense products
• Provide related services
• Supply parts, components, or assemblies for the aerospace industry

While not legally required, AS9100D certification is often necessary for effective participation in the aviation, space, and defense supply chain.

To achieve certification, an organization must:

1. Implement a quality management system that meets AS9100D requirements
2. Undergo an audit by an accredited certification body
3. Address any non-conformities identified during the audit
4. Receive approval from the certification body

AS9100D includes:

• Enhanced focus on risk-based thinking
• New requirements for product safety
• Emphasis on counterfeit part prevention
• Consideration of human factors in quality management
• Strengthened supplier management requirements

AS9100D integrates risk-based thinking throughout the quality management system, requiring organizations to identify and mitigate risks in their processes and operations

Resources include:

• The AS9100D standard document
• AS9101 (supporting standard for auditing)
• IAQG-provided deployment support materials
• Clarification documents published by IAQG

Certified organizations typically undergo annual surveillance audits and a full recertification audit every three years.

AS9100D includes a general requirement to address all applicable statutory and regulatory quality management system requirements

Benefits include:

• Improved product safety and reliability
• Enhanced customer satisfaction
• Streamlined operations and reduced waste
• Better supplier management
• Increased competitiveness in the aerospace market

AS9100D certification demonstrates an organization's commitment to quality and safety, often making it a prerequisite for securing contracts with major aerospace manufacturers and government agencies.

The key steps to implement AS9100D include:

1. Establish commitment from top management
2. Conduct a gap analysis
3. Prepare an implementation plan and timeline
4. Design and document processes
5. Train employees
6. Implement the quality management system
7. Conduct internal audits
8. Choose a certification body
9. Undergo certification audits (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
10. Maintain certification through ongoing improvements

Implementation time varies depending on the organization's size and existing quality management system. For companies new to formal quality standards, it can take 9-12 months. Organizations already ISO 9001 certified may transition in about 6 months.

Common setbacks include:

• Lack of management commitment
• Assigning responsibility to a single person or department instead of a team
• Insufficient employee communication and training
• Losing focus due to competing priorities
• Inadequate planning and resource allocation

To maintain certification:

• Conduct annual surveillance audits
• Address any non-conformities promptly
• Continuously improve the quality management system
• Undergo a full recertification audit every three years

Costs fall into two categories:

1. Internal costs: Implementation, training, staff time, and infrastructure upgrades
2. External costs: Registrar fees, audit expenses, and potential consultant fees

Audit costs vary, but generally:

• Initial certification audits take 2-5 days
• Surveillance audits take 1-3 days
• Daily auditor fees range from $1,500 to $3,000, plus travel expenses

Yes, all sites within the scope of registration must be certified to AS9100D. However, organizations can take a phased approach, starting with one site or a subgroup of sites.

Recertification is required every three years. Organizations must:

• Undergo annual surveillance audits
• Address any non-conformities identified during surveillance
• Complete a full recertification audit at the end of the three-year cycle

AS9100D certification:

• Enhances credibility in the aerospace industry
• Often serves as a prerequisite for contracts with major aerospace manufacturers and government agencies
• Improves chances of being selected as a supplier
• Demonstrates commitment to quality and safety standards