What is this standard about?
General
This European Standard establishes the baseline requirements for performing and documenting FAI (First Article Inspection). Should there be a conflict between the requirements of this European Standard and applicable statutory or regulatory requirements, the applicable statutory or regulatory requirements shall take precedence.
Purpose
The primary purpose of FAI is to validate that product realization processes are capable of producing parts and assemblies that meet engineering and design requirements. A well-planned and executed FAI will provide objective evidence the manufacturer’s processes can produce compliant product and that they have understood and incorporated associated requirements. FAI will:
• Provide confidence that the product realization processes are capable of producing conforming product.
• Demonstrate that the manufacturers and processors of the product have an understanding of the associated requirements.
• Provide objective evidence of process capability.
• Reduce potential risks associated with production start-up and/or process changes.
• Provide assurance of product conformance at the start of production and after changes outlined in this European Standard.
An FAI is intended to:
• Reduce future escapes, risks, and total costs.
• Help ensure safety of flight.
• Improve quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction.
• Reduce costs and production delays associated with product nonconformances.
• Identify product realization processes that are not capable of producing conforming product, and initiate and/or validate corrective actions.