Counterfeit Parts in Aerospace: The Growing Threat Undermining Supply Chain Integrity and Mission Safety

Counterfeit parts in aerospace are no longer a theoretical risk—they’re an active and escalating threat that undermines aircraft reliability, operator safety, and national defense capabilities. The FAA estimates that approximately 520,000 counterfeit or unapproved parts enter aircraft annually—roughly 2% of installed components (connectorsupplier.com). These components, which range from semiconductors and fasteners to composite structures and […]

AS9100 Internal Audit Process: What You Need to Know for Aerospace QMS Compliance

Step-by-Step: AS9100 Internal Audit Process 1. Audit Planning Sample sizing ensures auditors collect enough objective evidence to draw valid conclusions about process performance. AS9100D doesn’t specify a fixed number of records—it requires a risk-based approach. Higher-risk processes demand deeper review and direct observation, while stable, low-risk areas can rely on smaller samples. 2. Preparing the […]

Understanding the Cost of Quality in Manufacturing

The Cost of Quality in Manufacturing (CoQ) refers to the total cost of ensuring product quality, as well as the costs associated with poor quality. Rather than being limited to the cost of producing high-quality goods, CoQ includes all the activities that prevent, detect, and correct defective work. Understanding and analyzing CoQ helps manufacturers identify […]