Global aerospace safety in numbers

Citation

(2005), "Global aerospace safety in numbers", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777bab.007

Global aerospace safety in numbers

Global aerospace safety in numbers

Keywords: Aerospace industry, Air safety

Twenty-three major aerospace companies are currently subscribing to Nadcap, which is a worldwide cooperative program of major aerospace companies designed to manage a consensus approach to special processes and provide continuous improvement within the aerospace industry. Nadcap is concerned with ensuring that jets and aero-engines are of excellent quality to protect the flying public.

Nadcap has over 1,350 accredited aerospace suppliers of special processes listed on the Nadcap Qualified Manufacturer's List (QML). Since its inauguration, Nadcap has conducted over 11,800 audits with approximately 2,800 audits expected in 2004 alone.

Who is involved?

There are currently twenty-three major aerospace companies, including five European-based aerospace companies, requiring their global aerospace suppliers to participate in the Nadcap program all over the world, including the following:

• •

  Airbus SAS;

• •

  Avio SPA;

• •

  Boeing;

• •

  Rolls-Royce pic;

• •

  GE Aircraft Engines;

• •

  MTU Aero Engines;

• •

  Honeywell;

• •

  Cessna Aircraft Company;

• •

  NASAHQ; and

• •

  EADS-CASA.

What does Nadcap do?

Nadcap audits aerospace suppliers for the following 12 special processes:

1. 1.

   Aerospace Quality Systems;

2. 2.

   Chemical Processing (based on AS7108, AS7108/1 and AS71058/2);

3. 3.

   Coatings (based on AS7109);

4. 4.

   Composites (based on AS7118);

5. 5.

   Elastomer Seals (based on AS7115);

6. 6.

   Fluids Distribution Systems (based on AS7112, AS7112/1, AS7112/2 and AS7112/4);

7. 7.

   Heat Treating (based on AS7102); <

8. 8.

   Materials Testing Laboratories (based on AS7101, AC7101/1-9, AC7101/11 and AC7006); <

9. 9.

   Non-Destructive Testing (based on AS7114);

10. 10.

    Nonconventional Machining & Surface Enhancement (based on AS7116 and AS7117);

11. 11.

    Sealants (based on AS7200/1 and AS7202); and

12. 12.

    Welding (based on AS7110).

How does Nadcap audit and accreditation work?

Nadcap audits are carried out by independent consultant auditors with an average of 30 years special process experience in the aerospace industry. When a Nadcap audit is carried out, qualified PRI staff initially review the audit report and work with the aerospace supplier to resolve any non- conformances raised by the auditor. Once the corrective action submittals have been accepted by PRI, the audit package is forwarded to the Task Group. Each special process has its own Task Group, which is made up of representatives from Nadcap subscribing members. Once they are satisfied with the supplier's performance, the supplier becomes accredited. Audits are repeated annually until the supplier gains merit and receives an extended accreditation.

Before Nadcap

Previously, the responsibility for assuring subcontractor quality in the mobility industry was shouldered by individual aerospace companies. This resulted in duplication of effort, inconsistent application of standards and unnecessary costs associated with redundant audits.

Details available from: Performance Review Institute. Tel: +44 207 483 9010.