01
Applicability and trigger
Define whether FAI is required for a new part, new tool, new source, changed process, long production gap or a specified customer event.
Evidence route
FAI requirement, trigger and approval route
First production evidence
First Article Inspection in China: verify the route before reliance.
A First Article Inspection can create a characteristic-by-characteristic record that the first production result was made and checked against the controlled requirements. Its scope, format and approval authority must be defined; a first article is not a permanent certificate for every future lot.
Decision premise
FAI question: did the defined production route produce evidence against every in-scope characteristic and document requirement?
Control framework
Build the FAI package around accountability
Where IAQG 9102 or another customer format applies, that requirement governs. For other projects, the same disciplined logic can be adapted without claiming sector certification.
02
Product accountability
Confirm part number, revision, drawing, specifications, bill-of-material references and any authorised deviations used for the article.
Evidence route
Controlled product and requirement identifiers
03
Characteristic accountability
Number in-scope drawing notes and dimensions so every required result has an unambiguous record or justified non-applicable status.
Evidence route
Ballooned drawing and characteristic results table
04
Material and process evidence
Include certificates, special-process records or finish evidence only where the project scope requires them and trace them to the article.
Evidence route
Lot-linked material/process documents and provider identity
05
Measurement evidence
Record actual values where required, the measurement route and any limitation that can affect interpretation of the result.
Evidence route
Actual results, instrument or method reference and result status
06
Disposition and recurrence
Identify deviations, correction status, customer disposition and whether a full or partial FAI is needed after a future change.
Evidence route
Signed disposition, open-action status and repeat-FAI rule
Decision evidence
FAI package: useful evidence versus weak substitutes
A cover sheet alone does not create characteristic accountability. The value lies in traceable links between requirement, result, source evidence and disposition.
| Package element | Decision-useful evidence | Weak substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing | Controlled revision with characteristic identifiers | Unmarked PDF with no result mapping |
| Results | Actual values or defined attribute result per characteristic | Blanket statement that all dimensions passed |
| Material/process | Traceable document where contractually required | Generic certificate unrelated to the article or lot |
| Deviation | Recorded requirement, actual condition and authorised disposition | Verbal acceptance or corrected file with no change trail |
| Approval | Named authority and status of every open item | Supplier self-release where customer approval was required |
Scope limits
FAI boundaries that protect the decision
A conforming first article does not prove long-term process stability.
FAI does not replace in-process or lot-specific controls where required.
A partial FAI needs a documented change-impact rationale.
Industry-specific FAI requirements apply only when contractually invoked.
Standards context
Use external standards to define the decision—not to decorate a claim.
Primary context for the standardised aerospace FAI process; customer and sector requirements determine applicability.
IAQG 9102 overview