Free first article inspection checklist
A first article inspection (FAI) proves that a production process can make a part that meets the drawing. This checklist walks through part accountability, product accountability and a characteristic log, then exports a PDF you can attach to your records.
How to fill out this first article inspection checklist
- Enter the part number, drawing revision, lot, purchase order and the reason for the FAI.
- Check the part accountability and product accountability items: drawing revision, ballooned characteristics, material and special process certificates, functional tests.
- Log each ballooned characteristic with its tolerance, the measured result, the gauge used and Accept or Reject.
- Complete the verification items, add remarks and download the PDF for sign-off.
What is a first article inspection?
An FAI is a documented check, on the first part from a new process, that every drawing requirement was measured and met. Aerospace customers usually require it under the AS9102 standard, which has three forms: Part Number Accountability, Product Accountability, and Characteristic Accountability with Verification and Compatibility Evaluation.
When is an FAI needed?
Common triggers are a new part, a design change, a change of process, tooling or manufacturing location, and a lapse in production. The standard and your customer's contract set the exact triggers and the length of a lapse, so confirm them before you rely on a checklist.
How this checklist relates to the AS9102 forms
The three sections mirror the three areas the AS9102 forms cover, in our own wording. This is a working checklist, not a copy of the official forms. If your customer requires AS9102 Forms 1 to 3, use the layout in the standard and use this checklist to prepare and review the data.
What this template does not do
- This checklist does not replace the AS9102 forms where a customer or the AS9100 quality system requires them. The standard is published by SAE International.
- It records results you measure elsewhere; it does not calculate tolerances or capability.
- Only authorized, trained inspectors using calibrated equipment should sign off an FAI.
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Frequently asked questions
What does FAI stand for?
First article inspection: the detailed inspection of the first production part or lot to confirm the process meets every requirement of the design.
What are AS9102 Forms 1, 2 and 3?
Form 1 is Part Number Accountability, Form 2 is Product Accountability (materials, special processes and functional testing) and Form 3 is Characteristic Accountability, Verification and Compatibility Evaluation, where each characteristic and its result is recorded.
Is this the official AS9102 form?
No. It is an independent checklist organized around the same three areas. The official forms are defined in the AS9102 standard from SAE International.
How many characteristics can I log?
The table starts with 15 rows and you can add more rows on screen. Each characteristic needs its own line, numbered to match the ballooned drawing.
Is my part data sent anywhere?
No. The form and the PDF are made in your browser. A draft is kept in this browser's local storage until you clear it.
Sources
- AS9102 Aerospace First Article Inspection Requirement — SAE International (IAQG standard). Defines the First Article Inspection process and the three FAI forms: Part Number Accountability (Form 1), Product Accountability (Form 2), and Characteristic Accountability, Verification and Compatibility Evaluation (Form 3). The standard itself is sold by SAE; check which revision your customer requires.