TS EN 9102

TS EN 9102 addresses the quality-system framework for first article inspection (FAI) in the aerospace sector, focusing on how an initial production item is verified and documented. In practical terms, FAI is the established way to show that a part, assembly, or manufacturing process has been produced as intended, especially when it is first introduced or changed.

From a general technical perspective, FAI links the product definition to measured evidence. It is used to confirm conformity with drawing, specification, and process requirements, and it relies on structured records such as measured characteristics, material information, and process data. In aerospace and other high-precision industries, that documentary trail matters because it helps trace how the product was built and how the inspection outcome was established.

Why FAI documentation matters

The emphasis of this standard is not only on performing FAI, but on documenting it in a controlled way. That makes the relationship between the product definition and the inspection results explicit. First article inspection is different from final acceptance testing: its purpose is to validate the production setup and the manufacturing output represented by the first item, rather than to replace routine production checks.

• First article inspection for aerospace parts and assemblies
• Baseline requirements for carrying out and documenting FAI
• Priority of statutory or regulatory requirements where there is a conflict