AS9145 APQP and PPAP in a Nutshell

The new AS9145 standard of Aerospace Requirements for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is coming soon to an Aerospace OEM near you. For those who are already familiar with the new APQP and PPAP standard written by IAQG, congratulations, as you may be ahead of the curve. This paper will illustrate just what the standard is, its requirements, along with a few ways for your organization to get ahead of it. One important thing to remember is that these requirements have been discussed for years in the aerospace industry. It was only put into a standard a few years ago, it has not become an industry wide customer requirement nor can an organization become certified to it yet. Those who have seen my previous articles or attended my webinars and classes, know that I always try to find the simplest approach to explain concepts for all to understand. Let’s just jump right in.

The rationale for this new standard is two-fold:

1. It was created to define a methodology for ensuring that the product development processes, deployed throughout the Aviation, Space, and Defense industries, are fully integrated from design, through manufacturing, and into product use.
2. It was to give the market, customers and passengers, the peace of mind that potential risks were identified and mitigated as much as possible.

Omnex and Plantech do offer a two-day course in Understanding the entire AS9145 Standard with hands on breakout sessions. We also have developed a software platform for handling all documented information and APQP activities. Continue to look for future articles with industry case studies as this standard comes closer to becoming an auditable and certifiable requirement by the aerospace industry OEMs

About the Author

Craig Thompson holds certifications as a Certified Quality Manager (CQM), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), and Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and is an RAB/QSA-certified AS9100/ISO 9000 Lead Aerospace Auditor (previously AIEA). Mr. Thompson has extensive experience working in the Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Automotive, and Manufacturing Industries. Craig has also developed supplier process flow maps for OEM manufacturers of complex machines for both aerospace and automotive. Craig Thompson is the General Manager of PlanTech with extensive Management, Process Improvement, Lean Manufacturing and Problem-Solving experience with a very diverse list of Quality Standards and Tools. Mr. Thompson desires to be a vital contributor to a manufacturing operation in need of immediate assistance. When not working, Craig is busy writing articles for various topics in the Automotive and manufacturing industries. Craig envisions all manufacturing having robust QMS and defect free products.

Download this Whitepaper which illustrates what the standard is, its requirements, along with a few ways for your organization to get ahead of it.