First Article Inspection: AS9102 glossary definition

What First Article Inspection means

First Article Inspection is the planned verification that a first production-representative part was made from the released drawing, specifications, processes, and purchase order flowdowns.

In aerospace work, the inspection package usually proves this through an AS9102 FAIR: Form 1 identifies the part and FAI scope, Form 2 records material and process evidence, and Form 3 accounts for drawing characteristics and results.

Use this term as a review cue: it should help connect a drawing requirement, specification, certificate, result, or approval field to the evidence a customer will inspect. If the purchase order or customer portal uses stricter wording, follow that controlled source instead of this glossary entry.

Where it appears in AS9102

Use the term when the question is broader than a single measured feature. A complete FAI ties together the drawing, specifications, inspection results, certificates, approvals, and any documented nonconformances that affect release.

In an Articul review, this term is treated as part of the traceability path from source drawing or flowed requirement to form field, evidence, validation issue, and final approval. Use the AS9102 standard text as the controlled source, and use this glossary to clarify reviewer-facing meaning before export. When the term is ambiguous, keep the reviewer note close to the row or field it affects.

Review notes

• Reviewers should confirm the part is representative of the released baseline, the inspection scope matches the trigger event, and each result is traceable to the print or flowed requirement.
• Do not treat a normal in-process inspection as a complete First Article Inspection unless the required AS9102 forms and supporting evidence are present.
• Keep wording, units, identifiers, and attachment names consistent across the drawing, Forms 1-3, evidence files, and any customer portal submission.

Related guides

Related glossary terms

FAQ

What does First Article Inspection mean in an AS9102 FAIR?

First Article Inspection is the planned verification that a first production-representative part was made from the released drawing, specifications, processes, and purchase order flowdowns. Reviewers should confirm the part is representative of the released baseline, the inspection scope matches the trigger event, and each result is traceable to the print or flowed requirement.

Source notes

This Articul glossary entry is based on the public AS9102 field matrix used in product validation and on the internal review patterns linked from the related guides. It is not a replacement for purchased AS9102 text, customer requirements, or purchase order flowdowns.