Product Assurance In Aircraft Industries

Aircraft certification in EU
Before a newly developed aircraft model may enter into operation, it must obtain a
type certificate from the responsible aviation regulatory authority. Since 2003, EASA
is responsible for the certification of aircraft in the EU and for some European nonEU Countries. This certificate testifies that the type of aircraft meets the safety
requirements set by the European Union.
The 4 steps of the type-certification process:
1. Technical Familiarisation and Certification Basis
The aircraft manufacturer presents the project to EASA when it is considered to
have reached a sufficient degree of maturity. The EASA certification team and the
set of rules that will apply for the certification of this specific aircraft type are
being established (Certification Basis).
2. Establishment of the Certification Programme
EASA and the manufacturer need to define and agree on the means to demonstrate
compliance of the aircraft type with each requirement of the Certification Basis.
This goes hand in hand with the identification of EASAs level of involvement
during the certification process.
3. Compliance demonstration
The aircraft manufacturer must demonstrate compliance of its product with
regulatory requirements: the structure, engines, control systems, electrical systems
and flight performance are analysed against the Certification Basis. This
compliance demonstration is done by analysis during ground testing (such as tests
on the structure to withstand bird strikes, fatigue tests and tests in simulators) but
also by means of tests during flight. EASA experts perform a detailed examination
of this compliance demonstration, by means of document reviews in their offices
in Cologne and by attending some of these compliance demonstrations (test
witnessing).This is the longest phase of the type-certification process. In the case

of large aircraft, the period to complete the compliance demonstration is set at five
years and may be extended, if necessary.
4. Technical closure and issue of approval
If technically satisfied with the compliance demonstration by the manufacturer,
EASA closes the investigation and issues the certificate. EASA delivers the
primary certification for European aircraft models which are also being validated
in parallel by foreign authorities for operation in their airspaces, e.g. the FAA for
the US or TCCA for Canada. Conversely, EASA will validate the FAA
certification of US aircraft models (or TCCA certification of Canadian models)
according to applicable Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements between the EU and
the concerned Third Country.

Airworthiness Directives in EU
EASA monitors the performance of aircraft types in operation during the entire life
cycle of an aircraft. Given the importance of the current Airbus fleet flying around the
world, this activity represents 25% of the activity of the Agency related to
certification. In addition to the monitoring carried out by the national authorities (in
France , the DGAC) , operators are required to report to the manufacturers technical
facts that occur on their aeroplanes, which are classified according to their impact on
safety.
The Agency may issue an " airworthiness directive " sent to all operators in the world
in order to mandate corrective actions and ensure that the fleet of aircraft concerned
by the directive continues to fly safely. An airworthiness directive is a way to help
ensure the highest possible level of safety

Aircraft certification in USA

Since 1966, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the national aviation
authority of the United States which is responsible for the certification of aircraft in
the USA.

Overview Of Certification Phases

There are five Certification Phases that move from early project concept and initiation
through post certification activities. Each Phase is built on early mutual awareness of
key certification issues, commitment to planning and managing projects, early
identification and resolution of issues and other elements to achieve the
aforementioned vision.

Figure: Certification process roadmap

As one works through the five Phases outlined in this Guide, the new process of
extensive up-front engagement of both the FAA and an Applicant becomes evident.

AS 9100, EN 9100 & JISQ 9100 Certification for the

Aerospace Industry
Perhaps no other industry is as obsessively safety-conscious as the aerospace industry. Constantly
under public scrutiny, and with little margin for error, strict quality control standards are now
considered standard in every corner of the industry.
In an extremely competitive global landscape, almost all the successful manufacturers, suppliers
and service providers today regard quality management as their fundamental driving force.
Demonstrating this commitment, however, requires independent certification. It is irrefutable
evidence that quality standardsare being met. Such certification can mean winning new contracts, or
being excluded.
AS 9100 is the internationally recognized quality system standard specific to the aerospace industry.
AS9100 is the quality systems aerospace model for quality assurance in design, development,
production, installation and servicing.
Known as AS 9100 in North America, EN 9100 in Europe and JISQ 9100 in Japan, the standard is
strongly supported and adhered to by major aeronautics manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing,
GEAE and Rolls-Royce.
Indeed, AS 9100 certification has already become the basic requirement demanded by all these
companies to their suppliers.Based on ISO 9000requirements, AS 9100 puts a particular focus on
quality, safety and technology in all disciplines throughout the aerospace industry, and along the
entire supply chain. It applies to every domain whether civil or military.
AS 9100, EN 9100 & JISQ 9100 are applicable to the whole supply chain, not only in the aerospace
manufacturing industry, but also in equipment design and fabrication, operation of airports and
airways, supply and maintenance of spare parts, flight operation and goods processing.