First Article Inspection Software (FAIR)

First Article Inspection (FAI) is a full verification that a newly produced part matches engineering requirements. In aerospace, it’s typically documented using AS9102 Rev C Forms 1–3, including part accountability, product accountability, and characteristic accountability. GroundControl is the easiest to use First Article Inspection software built for aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing teams. Some benefits include:

Create FAIs directly from 2D drawings and PDFs (and keep revisions organized).

Auto-balloon and auto-extract characteristics to populate Form 3 quickly.

Record measurements and complete AS9102 / EN9102 / SJAC9102 forms with less manual entry.

Import results from any CMM package (e.g., PC-DMIS, Calypso, Verisurf, CMM-Manager, Modus) or from Excel/CSV.

Export FAIRs to Net-Inspect or any customer template at no extra cost.

Built-in export controls to compliantly handle ITAR and CUI data in the Government Cloud

FAQ

1) What is an FAI?
‍A First Article Inspection (FAI) is a documented, characteristic-by-character verification that your first production run meets all drawing and specification requirements. In aerospace, AS9102 defines how you plan, execute, and record that verification using Forms 1–3, plus linked objective evidence. The goal isn’t paperwork — it’s demonstrating production readiness with full traceability.

‍2) Does GroundControl import CMM data to populate Form 3?
Yes, GroundControl can import CMM data from any CMM (Hexagon, Zeiss, etc) and CMM Software (Calypso, PC-DMIS, Verisurf, Polyworks, etc) with a CSV/Excel import directly into Form 3 of an FAI.

‍3) How does FAI software relate to Net-Inspect or supplier portals?
‍Think of FAI software as how you create and validate the FAIR internally. Supplier/prime portals like Net-Inspect are how you submit and collaborate externally. Some tools integrate directly; others export AS9102 packages that you upload. If portal submission is a big part of your flow, confirm export formats and any APIs you need.

‍4) If I’m already good at manual AS9102, should I invest in software?
‍Yes — not because manual work is “broken,” but because software amplifies your expertise. You still decide what’s critical, what needs re-measurement, and how to interpret intent. The tool just removes transcription and formatting friction, makes traceability cleaner, and helps newer engineers perform at your level sooner. Early adoption gives you better throughput and more consistent customer reviews.

‍5) How quickly can I see results?
‍For point tools, you’ll usually feel speed gains in the first week — the moment you stop re-typing characteristics. For platforms, most teams see meaningful reduction in FAIR prep time within the first 1–3 FAIR cycles as templates, extraction rules, and CMM mappings settle in.

‍6) What’s the difference between desktop and cloud FAI tools?
‍Desktop tools keep data and workflows local. That can be simpler for some ITAR programs, but collaboration is file-based and audit visibility is lower. Cloud tools centralize drawings, results, and evidence so FAIRs are repeatable and reviewable — but you must ensure U.S. residency, access controls for U.S. persons, and ITAR-appropriate support boundaries. GroundControl supports processing of ITAR / CUI data in our Government Cloud hosted deployment.

First Article Inspection Software (FAIR)

Eliminate paper-based AS9102 forms

Dramatically faster FAIR creation

Zero setup burden for IT

FAQ

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