Aerospace First Article Inspection Software

GroundControl helps aerospace suppliers build AS9102-compliant FAIRs and handle APQP/PPAP flowdowns with faster characteristic capture, revision control, and audit-ready evidence.

Aerospace quality is governed by AS9100D, with AS9102 defining first article documentation. As APQP/PPAP flowdowns increase, GroundControl keeps drawings, characteristics, results, and evidence aligned in one workflow.

  • AS9102 Forms 1-3 with traceable evidence
  • Auto-ballooning and GD&T capture for dense drawings
  • CMM import, Net-Inspect export, and customer templates
  • Validation checks that prevent missing characteristics and form errors
Sekisui Aerospace
PCC
Sanmina
Summit

AS9102-ready Forms 1-3

Generate part, product, and characteristic accountability without retyping.

Auto-balloon + characteristic capture

Extract dimensions, notes, and callouts directly from drawings.

GD&T + tolerance recognition

Capture ASME Y14.5 control frames, datums, and limit tolerances.

CMM + metrology import

Map results from PC-DMIS, Calypso, Verisurf, and CSV/Excel exports.

Micro-Vu
Zeiss
Hexagon

and more...

APQP + PPAP flowdown support

Manage FAIR deliverables alongside flowed-down APQP and PPAP documentation requirements, including repeated-sample reporting.

Evidence packages

Attach material certs, special process certs, and test reports for FAIR and PPAP-style packages. Export to AS9102, Net-Inspect, Excel, or customer-specific templates.

At a glance

  • Build AS9102 Forms 1-3 from drawings, specs, and customer notes.
  • Auto-balloon and extract characteristics with GD&T and tolerance capture.
  • Import CMM results and map them directly to ballooned features.
  • Cover flowed-down APQP/PPAP deliverables in the same quality workflow.
  • Validate completeness before submission to avoid rejections.
  • Tight tolerances and dense GD&T drive inspection complexity.
  • Special processes like heat treat, plating, and NDT require approved-source certifications.
  • Multi-tier supply chains require clear configuration and revision history.

Why aerospace FAIRs are different

Aerospace customers expect objective evidence that every design requirement was verified. A FAIR that looks complete but lacks traceability, revision control, or supporting documentation can still be rejected.

AS9102 quick reference for aerospace teams

AS9102 defines how first article inspections are documented for aerospace programs. Forms 1-3 cover part accountability, product/material accountability, and characteristic results with linked objective evidence.

A new or partial FAI is typically needed when fit, form, or function could be affected, including:

  • New part introduction or first production run.
  • Design/specification changes (including ECNs and model revisions).
  • Process, tooling, inspection method, or location changes.
  • Supplier or special-process changes that could affect outcomes.
  • Extended production gaps or customer-directed updates.

Common causes of FAI rejection

Most rejections come from documentation errors, not part nonconformance. The same issues show up repeatedly across aerospace programs.

  • Missing characteristics or drawing notes.
  • Incorrect or missing special process documentation.
  • Wrong revision level or configuration mismatch.
  • Form errors (wrong part numbers, missing signatures, incorrect tolerances).
  • Missing supporting evidence (material certs, CMM reports, test results).

GroundControl workflow for aerospace suppliers

GroundControl reduces manual data entry while keeping each requirement linked to objective evidence. Quality teams can move faster without sacrificing traceability.

  • Auto-balloon drawings and extract characteristics in minutes.
  • Apply GD&T and tolerance logic consistently across features.
  • Import results from CMM or metrology exports and map to balloons.
  • Track APQP/PPAP flowdown deliverables alongside FAIR requirements.
  • Link material certifications, heat treat, plating, and NDT evidence to the correct records.
  • Run validation checks for missing data, mismatched revisions, and form errors.
  • Export customer-ready FAIR packages in AS9102, Net-Inspect, or Excel formats.

ITAR and CUI-ready deployment

GroundControl offers a GovCloud deployment for ITAR and CUI programs, so inspection data stays in secure environments while FAIR packages stay shareable and traceable.

Ready for faster, cleaner aerospace FAIRs?

See how GroundControl reduces rework and improves first-pass acceptance.