AS9120 CERTIFICATION: ENSURING QUALITY AIRCRAFT PARTS FOR SAFE FLYING (DEMO)
Dismissed as a minor accident at first, the ultralight plane crash last April 22 that occurred in the middle of Delta Highway was recently opened for further investigation by Canada’s Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The pilot, Paul Deane-Freeman, reportedly suffered a fractured vertebra and is still recovering from the accident.
What is an ultra-light plane?
The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association of Canada (LAMAC) defines a basic ultra-light aeroplane as an aircraft that has at least two seats, with a take-off weight of 544 kg and landing configuration of 45 mph (39 knots). An ultralight aircraft is for recreation purposes only, although it may also be used for pilot trainings in conformity with the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Although manufacturers of ultra-light planes are not required to meet any standards in their products, the LAMAC recommends that they apply materials and practices accepted in general aviation.
What’s the importance of being AS9120-certified?
One of these safety requirements is to have an AS9120 certification from certification bodies like the International Standards Authority, Inc. (ISA) to ensure long-term benefits for both the manufacturer and their clients. Auditors and assessors from quality management system (QMS) agencies are also accredited by the Aerospace Industry Experience Auditors (AIEA) and Aerospace Experience Auditors (AEA) for value-added certification services. Below are the basic principles behind the importance of being an AS9120-certifed company.
The AS9120 is one of the QMS requirements released by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in a publication titled, “Quality Management Systems-Aerospace Requirements for Stockist Distributors,” which includes other criteria concerning the aerospace industry. The AS9120 certificate covers the following specifications: Evidence of Conformance, Splitting, Airworthiness Certificates, Traceability and Controls of Records. Getting AS9120 certification is only for companies or distributors that acquire various parts and materials, and excludes those that repair and restore aeroplanes.
The maintenance of these light air vehicles for flight safety is the sole responsibility of the owner upon delivery of the assembly kits. Future owners are also advised to have adequate knowledge of handling light aeroplanes first before purchasing or even flying them.
What happens when you ignore certifications?
In the case of the ultra-light plane that crash landed, it turned out that the pilot had been warned of possible defects in the aircraft’s engine and that the part isn’t certified for use in any aircraft. The King George Airpark had also advised him against taking off because of engine trouble but Deane-Freeman proceeded. He was able to practice four water landings before the plane acted up.
Without proper certification, manufacturers of aircraft parts cannot guarantee the safety of their products, and therefore, cannot ensure that their market will continue to patronize them.
Sources:
Ultra-light pilot who landed on Delta highway was warned plane unsafe. Cbc.ca. April 23, 2015.
Basic Ultra-light (BULA) Regulations. Lightaircraft.ca