If you’re in aerospace maintenance, chances are you’ve heard about AS9110C—maybe in a team meeting, a customer audit, or a conversation with leadership. And if you’re wondering what it is, what it’s for, and whether it matters to your role or organization… you’re not alone.
Let’s walk through AS9110C in plain language: what it is, who it’s for, and how to start thinking about it in your organization.
What Exactly is AS9110C?
AS9110C is a quality management system (QMS) Standard developed explicitly for aerospace maintenance organizations. It’s built on the backbone of ISO 9001:2015—an international standard for general quality management—but includes additional, aviation-specific requirements that directly apply to Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities.
This makes AS9110C far more than a generic “quality label.” It’s tailored for real-world MRO environments, where decisions impact performance and people’s lives.
AS9110C is written for any organization whose primary function is maintaining aircraft or components, including civil, commercial, and military aviation.
Even if your customers or contracts don’t yet require certification, aligning to AS9110C improves internal consistency, process performance, and audit readiness.
You may already be familiar with ISO 9001 or have heard of AS9100 or AS9120. Here’s how they compare:
AS9110C adopts all of ISO 9001:2015 but requires aviation-specific practices, such as managing returned components, handling maintenance records, and demonstrating compliance with airworthiness directives and service bulletins.
Aircraft maintenance is different from manufacturing, and the stakes are high.
This isn’t just paperwork, it’s about protecting lives and delivering safe, repeatable service.
Start with ISO 9001:2015, then examine AS9110C’s additions—especially around maintenance control, personnel competence, and regulatory interaction.
Assess where your current system aligns and where gaps exist.
Develop a roadmap that includes system documentation, team training, and process updates.
AS9110C puts significant emphasis on personnel competence. Training isn’t just helpful—it’s foundational.
Regular internal audits prepare you for certification and help identify improvement areas before a third-party audit.
Once your system matures, a recognized certification body can assess your compliance.
The good news? You don’t have to do this alone. Plexus offers live virtual workshops, audit readiness support, and expert-led training—all grounded in the unique needs of MRO teams.
AS9110C isn’t about adding more red tape. It’s about adding reliability, safety, and performance—helping your organization focus on what matters most in aerospace maintenance.
Take the First Step with Confidence
Ready to explore AS9110C the right way?
Check out our AS9110C Internal Quality Auditing Workshop—designed to demystify the standard and help your team build internal audit capability with confidence.
In aerospace, quality isn’t a department; it’s a commitment.
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