EN/AS 9120 Accredited Suppliers & EASA Part-145 Industry

The EASA Part-145 industry, which governs the maintenance organizations responsible for aircraft safety and airworthiness in Europe, relies on high-quality, traceable, and safe components. Choosing suppliers that meet stringent quality standards is crucial for maintaining compliance, ensuring safety, and minimizing operational risks. Among the available accreditations, EN/AS 9120 stands out as the gold standard for suppliers of aircraft components, parts, materials, and standard parts. Here is why EN/AS 9120 accredited companies are the best fit for EASA Part-145 operations, as well as an evaluation of other accreditations.

OEMs and Part 21G Approved Organizations: The First Choice

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and organizations approved under EASA Part 21G are the primary and preferred suppliers for EASA Part-145 organizations. These entities are directly involved in the manufacturing of aircraft parts and are inherently aligned with the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and compliance. But this only applies to aircraft components and parts, but not for materials (raw and comsumables) and standard parts (nuts, bolts, o-rings, etc).

However, for alternative suppliers, such as brokers and independent distributors, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards becomes essential. In such cases, EN/AS 9120 accreditation should be considered the benchmark for evaluating the reliability and quality of the supplier.

Why EN/AS 9120 is the Gold Standard

EN/AS 9120 is a quality management standard specifically designed for distributors of aerospace components. It builds upon ISO 9001 but includes additional requirements tailored to the aerospace, defense, and aviation industries. Here are the key reasons why EN/AS 9120 accreditation ensures a superior supply chain for the EASA Part-145 industry:

1. Stringent Traceability Requirements: EN/AS 9120 mandates meticulous tracking of parts and materials throughout the supply chain. This ensures that every component has a clear chain of custody, reducing the risk of counterfeit or non-conforming parts entering the maintenance process.
2. Focus on Counterfeit Prevention: The aerospace industry faces significant challenges from counterfeit components. EN/AS 9120 includes specific requirements for verifying the authenticity of parts, which is critical for maintaining airworthiness.
3. Regulatory Alignment: The standard aligns with EASA regulations and requirements, ensuring that the suppliers meet the expectations of Part-145 organizations.
4. Robust Quality Control: EN/AS 9120 emphasizes comprehensive quality management systems, including documented processes, corrective actions, and continuous improvement. This reduces the risk of defective or substandard parts being supplied.
5. Global Recognition: EN/AS 9120 is recognized internationally, making it easier for EASA Part-145 organizations to work with suppliers worldwide without compromising on quality.

By partnering with EN/AS 9120 accredited suppliers, EASA Part-145 organizations can ensure compliance, enhance operational safety, and streamline their supply chain management.

Other Accreditations and Their Strengths

While EN/AS 9120 is the most suitable for aerospace distributors, other accreditations also offer benefits, albeit with certain limitations:

1. ASA-100 (Accredited by FAA AC 00-56)

ASA-100 is widely used in the U.S. for aircraft parts distribution and ensures compliance with FAA AC 00-56. It offers:

• Emphasis on traceability and documentation.
• Alignment with FAA requirements.
• Cost-effectiveness due to its voluntary nature.

However, ASA-100 lacks specific details on the comprehensive counterfeit prevention and product safety measures present in EN/AS 9120, making it less robust for high-risk environments like EASA Part-145.

2. EASO 2012

EASO 2012 is a European standard for aerospace and defense distributors. It aligns closely with EN/AS 9120 in terms of traceability and regulatory compliance but is regionally focused. While it’s an excellent choice for European operations, its limited global recognition may pose challenges for international supply chains.

3. ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard applicable across industries. It provides:

• A strong foundation for quality management.
• Flexibility for organizations of all sizes.

However, it lacks the aerospace-specific requirements for traceability, counterfeit prevention, and regulatory compliance, making it less suitable for the stringent needs of the EASA Part-145 industry.

The Least Favorable Accreditation: FAA AC 00-56 Without Additional Certification

FAA AC 00-56 is a voluntary accreditation program focused on supplier evaluation. While it establishes a baseline for quality and traceability, it falls short in critical areas:

• It’s self-certifying, with no third-party audits to verify compliance.
• It lacks the detailed counterfeit prevention and safety protocols found in EN/AS 9120.
• Its primary focus is on U.S. markets, making it less aligned with EASA regulations.

For these reasons, suppliers accredited solely under FAA AC 00-56 are the least favorable choice for EASA Part-145 organizations, as they may not provide the necessary assurances for regulatory compliance and safety.

Conclusion

OEMs and EASA Part 21G approved organizations should always be the first choice for EASA Part-145 companies due to their direct involvement in manufacturing and inherent compliance with the highest standards. For alternative suppliers, such as brokers or independent distributors, EN/AS 9120 accreditation should be considered the gold standard. This accreditation ensures robust quality management systems, strict traceability, counterfeit prevention, and alignment with aerospace regulations.

While ASA-100, EASO 2012, and ISO 9001 offer certain benefits, they fall short of the comprehensive requirements needed for critical aerospace applications. Suppliers relying solely on FAA AC 00-56 accreditation are the least favorable, as they do not meet the stringent demands of the EASA Part-145 industry. By prioritizing EN/AS 9120 accreditation, Part-145 organizations can enhance their operational reliability, ensure compliance, and uphold the highest safety standards.