Aerospace is a highly regulated industry. Given that LifePort designs and manufactures VIP aircraft interiors, special mission interiors, and interiors for helicopter medical transport systems, everything we do is subject to government regulations and strict industry standards.
We are an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with a long history of success and the many certifications and qualifications that go into that success. Here is a partial list:
- AS9100:2016
- ISO 13485:2015
- FAA Part 21 Parts Manufacturing Approval
- FAA Part 145 Air Agency Certification
- FAA Repair Station (IQR656L)
All of this begs the question as to why certification matters so much in aerospace OEM manufacturing. We cannot get into all the details for obvious reasons, but we can talk about things on a more general level.
Quality and Safety Assurance
Certain certifications, like AS9100 and ISO9001, are implemented in aerospace manufacturing to ensure that every single component meets strict industry requirements for quality and safety. In addition, components are traceable from start to finish. The net effect is a zero-tolerance approach to mistakes.
We don't want even minor defects in our interiors or individual components. Why? Because something minor could translate into catastrophic failure later on. We adhere to AS9100 because it combines ISO9001 requirements with additional controls specific to aerospace.
Regulatory Compliance Is Mandatory
Meeting strict industry standards is just one aspect of the certification question. The other is complying with regulations. Compliance is not a suggestion. It is mandatory.
All aerospace OEM manufacturers must comply with both federal and international safety regulations. If regulations are not followed, manufacturers are not allowed to operate. The FAA's Production Certificate illustrates this point perfectly.
A certificate is only provided after a manufacturer's facilities, processes, and quality systems are audited. An audit must confirm that they comply with 14 CFR part 21 requirements. If not, a certificate is not issued. No certificate means a manufacturer cannot operate.
Non-Conforming Parts Are Dangerous
Certifications matter in aerospace OEM manufacturing for another reason you might not think about if you're not part of this industry: non-conforming parts are dangerous. Therefore, manufacturers like LifePort want no part of them.
A non-conforming part is so designated because it does not meet industry standards or government regulations. The problem could be a defect that escaped notice during a quality control inspection. But the problem could also be that you are dealing with a counterfeit part. Regardless, aircraft integrity and passenger safety rely on parts that fully conform.
Full Accountability Requires Part Traceability
Both governments and the industry itself need to be able to hold manufacturers accountable when things go wrong, even when problems are minor. As such, certain parts of the certification equation are directly related to documentation and part traceability.
For example, the AS9120 standard applies to part distributors, while AS6081 covers counterfeit part prevention. Both standards require stakeholders to keep meticulous records of everything from materials to manufacturing processes and supply chain history. If any issues arise with a particular part or material, it can quickly be traced back to its source.
Certification Keeps Everyone on Track
There are still more reasons explaining why certification matters in aerospace OEM manufacturing. But the long and short of it is that certification keeps everyone on track. Whether we are building VIP seating for luxury aircraft or a state-of-the-art interior for HEMS, our certifications and qualifications demonstrate that we adhere to all industry standards and government regulations.
LifePort's list of qualifications and certifications gives customers confidence that we do things the right way. They deserve that much from us. They need to know we aren't cutting corners.
