The FAA has proposed a common quality system for all Production Approval Holders as part of their efforts to rewrite 14 CFR §21.   Here is a look at the minimum requirements as of June 2003.   Keep in mind that these requirements are subject to change before final adoption of the rule.

1. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
   

   Define and document the responsibility and authority of the management representative who ensures implementation and compliance with the quality system and interrelation of key personnel affecting the quality system.   The quality system must include an organizational chart showing the chain of authority to include any delegations of that authority.



2. DESIGN DATA CONTROL
   

   Procedures for the control of design data.   The procedures must include a method for documenting and submitting changes to the FAA for approval.



3. DOCUMENT CONTROL
   

   Procedures to control documents and data that form the quality system and any subsequent changes.   The Procedures shall ensure that documents and data are reviewed for adequacy by appropriate personnel prior to inclusion in the quality system.



4. SUPPLIER CONTROL
   

   Procedures must include the following to ensure conformance of supplier furnished product, parts, materials, and services to the approved design prior to release for installation in the product or part.

1. Methods to evaluate and select suppliers.
2. Methods used to determine the extent of control of suppliers.
3. Methods used to notify suppliers that they are subject to FAA surveillance.
4. Methods of delegation of inspection authority to suppliers and method of notifying the FAA of such delegation of inspection authority.
5. Methods used to perform receiving inspections.
6. Methods used to determine conformance of product, parts, materials, and services that cannot be completely conformed upon receipt.


5. MANUFACTURING PROCESS CONTROL
   

   Procedures to control the manufacture and quality of product and parts to the approved design.   When such procedures include computer aided manufacturing and inspection equipment, the methods for determining that equipment will produce or accept only products and parts that conform to approved design.



6. INSPECTION AND TESTING
   

   Procedures for all types of inspection and test to determine products and parts conform to the approved design at points in the manufacturing process where and accurate conformity determination can be made.



7. INSPECTION, MEASURING, AND TESTING EQUIPMENT CONTROL
   

   Procedures to ensure that all inspection, measuring, and test equipment used in determining conformity of product and parts to the approved design is calibrated and controlled.   The calibration accuracy must be appropriate for its intended measurement and traceable to standards acceptable to the administrator.



8. INSPECTION AND TEST STATUS
   

   Each holder shall maintain procedures for the identification of inspection and test status of material, products, and parts supplied or manufactured to the approved design.



9. NONCONFORMING PRODUCTS AND PARTS CONTROL
   

   Procedures to ensure that product, parts, and materials that do not conform to approved design are segregated and submitted to the Material Review Board (MRB).   MRB procedures must ensure that a MRB is established and is composed of authorized individuals.   The procedures must provide for the identification, segregation, documentation, and disposition of nonconforming products and parts.   When nonconforming products and parts are to be considered for installation in the finished product or part, the must be processed through the MRB.   Nonconforming products or parts determined by the Board to be serviceable must be properly identified and reinspected if rework or repair is necessary.   Nonconforming products or parts rejected by the Board must be marked and disposed of in a manner that renders them unsuitable for installation on type certificated products.



10. CORRECTIVE AND PREVENTIVE ACTION
    

    Procedures for implementing corrective and preventive action to eliminate or minimize causes of actual of potential nonconformities to the approved design.



11. HANDLING AND STORAGE
    

    Procedures to prevent damage and deterioration of materials, products, and parts in process and in storage.



12. CONTROL OF QUALITY RECORDS
    

    Procedures for identification and retrieval of inspection and test records specified in §21.141(g) that demonstrate the product or part conforms to the approved design; and records specified in §21.141(h) that demonstrate compliance to the requirements of the approved quality system.



13. INTERNAL QUALITY AUDITS
    

    Procedures for planning and conducting internal quality audits for the purpose of assuring compliance with the approved quality system.



14. SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE
    

    When software is produced, procedures must include a description of the software quality assurance process.