Home » What is AS9120?

What is AS9120?

AS9120 - Quality Management Systems - Aerospace Requirements for Distributors

• What is AS9120 and who is it for?
• Other Standards referenced in AS9120
• Compare AS9120 to ISO 9001?
• What are the benefits of AS9120?
• How do we implement AS9120?

What is AS9120 and who is it for?

The AS 9120 Standard is the requirements for a Quality Management System based on AS 9100 which adds 100+ additional requirements that are specific to distributors who carry aircraft components like, fasteners, electronics, gaskets, etc. It helps ensure that they handle the materials properly and track the part from OEM to customer. AS9120 was developed for pass-through distributors of aerospace items and addresses chain of custody, traceability, control and availability of records.

Companies that procure parts, materials and assemblies and sells these products to a customer in the aviation, space and defense industries. This includes organizations that procure products and split them into smaller quantities.

This standard is not intended for organizations that rework or repair products. Organizations that perform work that affect or could affect product characteristics or conformity should use AS9100 or another general quality management system standard.

The standard would be applicable for organizations that resell, distribute, and warehouse parts found in aircraft and other aerospace components.  Value-added distributors would NOT be included for the standard to due to customer-product changes. (Use AS9100)

• ASA - Aviation Suppliers Association
• IDEA - Independent Distributors of Electronics Association
• ERAI - Electronic Resellers Association International
• etc.

SAE manages this standard which is regulated by the IAQG (International Aerospace Quality Group).

AS9120 (2002) is still active, but you must transition by July, 2012 (see AS9120 Rev A changes)

• Buy Copy of AS9120
• AS9120 (2002) uses the AS9121 Checklist
• We recommend implementing AS9120 (2002) if you desire 2010 certification
• It is based upon ISO 9001:2000

AS9120 Rev A (2009) is current, but the CB's cannot register you until Q3-2010 or later

• Buy Copy of AS9120 Rev A
• AS9120 A uses AS9101 "D" QMS Assessment, Mar 2010
• It is based upon ISO 9001:2008

<back to top>

Other Standards referenced in AS9120 See Aerospace Standards Explained

AS9101 QMS Audit Requirements for AS&D Registration (Pertains to AS9100C/9110A/9120A)

• Read about AS9101D

• Buy a copy of AS9101

AS5553 Counterfeit Parts

• What are Counterfeit Parts?

• Buy a copy of AS5553

ISO 10005 Quality Plans

• Buy a copy of ISO 10005

ISO 10007 Configuration Management

• What is Configuration Management?

• Buy Copy of ISO 10007

<back to top>

What are the Benefits of AS 9120?

Like AS9100, certification to AS9120 expands your market and improves your organization:

• An opportunity for improved product quality, traceability and reduced risk.

• Aligns your company to the best practices of the aerospace industry

• Demonstrates that you can deliver quality products and services to your customers

• Elevates your quality management system to the global standard adopted by the aerospace industry (IAQG)

• Expands your customer base to include global aviation companies

<back to top>

 How do we implement AS9120?

The implementation process is very similar to AS9100 or other ISO 9001 based QMS:

1. Perform a Gap Analysis to determine what your existing QMS needs.

2. Document your system with a Quality Manual and Procedures. The AS9100 Store offers a complete set of documentation ready for you to customize. Learn more...

3. Implement the new procedures

4. Audit your system to make sure you procedures are being followed

5. Have a registrar audit your company for certification to ISO 9120

For a more detailed explanation, our AS9100 Steps to Certification will still apply since the standards are so similar.