First Article Inspection Report (FAIR)
FAIR is the abbreviation for First Article Inspection Report.
Translated into German, this is referred to as the initial sample test report (EMPB).
First Article Inspection Report
All test results of the First Article Inspection (FAI) are documented in the First Article Inspection Report (FAIR). In Germany, the initial sample test report (EMPB) corresponds to the First Article Inspection Report (FAIR).
Definition: If components and finished products are produced in series, the First Article Inspection, FAI for short, offers the opportunity to completely check the product once again. The associated "First Article Inspection Report" documents all relevant factors such as dimensions, measurements, design and material as standard.
The First Article Inspection Report is documentation that proves that a product has been manufactured in accordance with the required specifications.
The FAIR can be used to compare the manufactured product with the client's requirements. For the client, the First Article Inspection is the last opportunity for quality control before series production starts.
Designations and allocation
- German designation:
First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) - English designation:
First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) - Standard set of norms and rules:
AS/EN 9100 aerospace standard
When is the FAIR created?
The First Article Inspection is carried out on components and finished products that are to be mass-produced in the future. The FAIR makes it possible to check the quality of the goods once again before series production and to compare it with the requirements of the customer or purchaser of the goods.
The First Article Inspection Report is required, for example, if
- a product is manufactured for the first time.
- the design or dimensions of a product have changed.
- the production site changes.
- series production is resumed after a lengthy interruption.
Create FAIR via software?
Creating a FAIR or initial sample inspection report can take a lot of time and nerves. Many high-precision details that could potentially lead to errors must be meticulously documented in the report.
The FAIR-Software Ideagen Quality Control reliably supports you in creating a First Article Inspection Report that fulfils all the requirements of the AS9102 standard, including drawings with inspection stamps and visual error correction.
Case study First Article Inspection Report according to AS9102 Rev C
FAiR according to AS9102 Rev C in the aerospace and defence industry
- Part Number Accountability (Form 1)
Form 1 identifies the product part that will be inspected during the FAI, as well as the associated sub-assemblies or individual parts.
- Product Accountability (Form 2)
Form 2 contains all materials, specifications, processes and all functional tests that have been defined as design requirements.
- Characteristic Accountability (Form 3)
Form 3 summarises each design feature of the FAI parts. For example, dimensions, tolerances, drawing notes, measurements and their results are noted here.
In addition, an FAI report usually contains further information, such as the part name and number, the name and signature of the person who carried out the FAI, the date on which the form was completed and the customer's authorisation.
Excel template: AS9102 Revision C
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FAQ: First Article Inspection Report (FAIR)
○ What happens if a product does not pass the First Article Inspection?
If a part does not pass the FAI, the product goes back to pre-production so that all problems can be rectified. In this case, series production is delayed. However, if everything goes well and the product passes the FAI, series production can (re)commence.
○ Why do I need an FAI report?
If you fail to check important components, it may not be until the individual parts are assembled that you realise that the dimensions of a part are incorrect. In this case, the component has to be remanufactured, which in turn leads to delays in the entire production process.
Failure to carry out an inspection can be very expensive, which is why regular quality control, coupled with a standardised procedure such as the First Article Inspection, is important and essential. Errors in the production process can be recognised at an early stage and prevent faulty production or waiting times.
○ In which industries is a First Article Inspection Report common?
A First Article Inspection Report is standard in many military and non-military sectors, particularly in the aerospace, automotive and medical technology industries.