Aerospace and Defense Consulting
- Internal Audits
- ISO9001/AS9100, 9110, 9120 Consulting
- Gap Analysis
- Procedure/Specification Writing
- Team Building & Training
- Supplier Audits
- Root Cause Corrective Action Review
- Process Development
Featured Services
Auditing
Auditing within the aerospace sector is a critical component of a robust Quality Management System (QMS). Unlike basic compliance checks, aerospace audits verify that processes are effective, risks are controlled, and regulatory, customer, and statutory requirements are consistently met. Standards such as AS9100, AS9110, and AS9120 place strong emphasis on process-based auditing, product safety, risk management, and configuration control—making audits a strategic tool for continual improvement rather than a periodic obligation.
A well-executed audit evaluates three key areas: process conformity, process effectiveness, and output performance. This means auditors must go beyond checklist-style questioning and instead follow the process flow—reviewing inputs, activities, outputs, resources, risks, and key performance indicators. In aerospace, this often includes verification of material traceability, special process control, first article inspection (FAI), and validation of competency for personnel performing critical tasks.
Quality Systems Management
Implementing a Quality Management System (QMS) in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors requires far more than creating procedures—it demands a structured, process-driven framework aligned to standards such as AS9100, AS9110, or AS9120. The objective is to establish a system that ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, configuration control, and consistent on-time delivery across a highly regulated and risk-sensitive supply chain.
A successful QMS implementation begins with defining the organizational context and scope, followed by identifying core and support processes, their interactions, and associated risks. Consultants typically facilitate process mapping sessions to translate operational workflows into controlled, measurable processes with clear inputs, outputs, owners, and key performance indicators. This approach ensures the system reflects how the organization actually operates—not just how it is documented.
Process Development
Process development in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors requires a disciplined, data-driven approach that aligns operational workflows with regulatory, customer, and quality management requirements. As consultants, the focus is on transforming undocumented or inconsistent activities into controlled, repeatable, and measurable processes that support AS9100-series standards, product safety, and mission-critical performance.
The engagement typically begins with process discovery and mapping, working directly with cross-functional teams to capture the current state, identify gaps, and define process inputs, outputs, resources, risks, and key performance indicators. This ensures the process reflects real-world operations while establishing clear ownership and accountability.
From there, we develop process controls, work instructions, control plans, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to aerospace requirements. This includes integration of configuration management, special process validation, material traceability, FAI planning, and prevention of counterfeit parts. The goal is to build processes that are not only compliant but also efficient, scalable, and audit-ready.
Supplier Management
Effective supplier management is critical in the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries, where product conformity, traceability, and on-time delivery depend on a tightly controlled supply chain. Our consulting services help organizations establish and maintain robust, risk-based supplier management programs aligned with AS9100, AS9110, and AS9120 requirements.
We support the full supplier lifecycle—from supplier selection and qualification through performance monitoring and re-evaluation. This includes development of Approved Supplier Lists (ASL), risk-based evaluation criteria, supplier onboarding processes, and flow-down of customer and regulatory requirements. Special attention is given to critical suppliers, special process providers, and distributors handling controlled or traceable materials.
Our approach integrates supplier performance metrics such as on-time delivery, quality acceptance rates, responsiveness, and corrective action effectiveness. We also assist with supplier scorecards, surveillance plans, and escalation processes to address chronic issues and reduce supply chain risk.
For organizations experiencing supplier-related nonconformities, we provide root cause analysis support, supplier corrective action management, and on-site supplier audits. This ensures containment, corrective action, and long-term prevention are effectively implemented and verified.
Training
A highly competent workforce is essential to maintaining compliance, product safety, and operational excellence in the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors. Our training programs are designed to provide practical, role-based learning that aligns with AS9100-series standards, regulatory requirements, and real-world operational needs.
We offer comprehensive training in AS9100 internal auditing, process-based auditing, GD&T, blueprint reading, configuration management, risk management (FMEA), root cause analysis, and first article inspection (FAI). Each course is tailored to the organization’s processes, products, and customer requirements to ensure immediate applicability on the shop floor and within engineering and quality functions.
Our approach emphasizes hands-on exercises, case studies, and process walk-throughs rather than lecture-only sessions. This ensures personnel understand not just the “what” of compliance, but the “how” of implementing controls, interpreting requirements, and identifying risks within their own workflows.
We also support competency framework development, training matrices, and qualification criteria for critical roles, helping organizations demonstrate personnel competence during audits and regulatory reviews. Leadership-focused sessions align quality objectives with business performance metrics such as on-time delivery, cost of poor quality, and customer satisfaction.
