Why AeroImpulse?
Comprehensive solutions for aviation quality management
where we help
Through the Airbus Supplier Requirements (ASR), the APQP process is becoming increasingly widespread in the aerospace industry. Sooner or later, Airbus suppliers will have little choice but to adopt it. AeroImpulse supports you in implementing APQP by integrating the requirements of APQP and PPAP in accordance with EN 9145 into your processes in a practical manner. We assist you in adapting your processes in development and manufacturing—but especially at their interface—to ensure a smooth transition to series production.
Our competences
Until now, Advanced Product Quality Planning has primarily been the domain of the automotive industry, so there are few experts in the aviation sector. AeroImpulse possesses the necessary methodological and implementation expertise to successfully establish APQP within your company. With our experienced consultants, we support you in project setup, maturity assessment, and process development, as well as providing implementation support for your first project.
What are your challenges?
Introduction to APQP
The goal of APQP is to ensure a smooth transition to mass production for new developments or design changes. It is a systematic approach to advance (product) quality planning. APQP is already widely used in the automotive industry in Germany via VDA 4.3 and has found its way into the aerospace supply industry through EN 9145. This requires comprehensive methodological expertise:
Advanced Product Quality Planning initially focuses on the product development process, which is closely and systematically integrated with the production process. Strict project management plays a key role here, as does the use of the right tools, such as DFMEA and PFMEA, Process Control Planning (PCP), and structured management with critical units and special characteristics.
PPAP, MSA & SPC
The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is inextricably linked to the implementation of APQP. This process focuses less on the development side and more on the production side of the overall APQP process. The focus here is on series part approval and initial sample inspection (FAI) from a quality perspective. This is followed by the Run@Rate inspection, which focuses on production volume.
Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) are methodologically complex yet indispensable components. Both tools are essential for a thorough assessment of process performance and process capability. All of these tools must be supported by clear and well-structured documentation.
Components of APQP / PPAP
The entire APQP process consists of a series of steps that require a high level of tooling expertise and methodological proficiency—expertise that AeroImpulse can provide.
The key components, broken down by development and manufacturing, are:
Design
- Design FMEA
- Design Verification and Design Reviews
- Prototype Control Plan
- Requirements for new equipment, tools, and infrastructure
- Identification of Key Characteristics and Critical Units
- Requirements for Measurement, Inspection, and Testing Equipment
- Production Readiness Review (PRR) and Design Freeze
Manufacturing – PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
8. Process Flowchart and Production Line Layout
9. Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
10. Process FMEA
11. Test Equipment Capability
12. Pre-Launch Control Plan
13. Work Instructions, Logistics Concept, Packaging Specifications
14. Production Test Plan / Control Plan / (Production Control Plan)
15. Run@Rate / Preliminary Process Capability Study
16. DCI, FAI, Production Sampling
17. PPAP Approval
What distinguishes us
We have many years of expertise in the aviation industry
We do not compromise on the competence of our consultants
We offer our customers individual and custom-fit QM solutions
Our services
We establish robust APQP processes for the start of mass production
Are you planning to implement APQP in the aerospace supply industry and need assistance?
We support you!
Non-binding offer available at:
+49 (0) 40 5131 52 91
Customized consulting
You decide the extent of our support—whether it’s the full package or on-demand consulting. We’ll help you establish robust processes for development and production ramp-up.
We don’t just implement recognized standard tools; we tailor them to the specific needs of your business. Depending on your requirements, we can serve as your coach, your ongoing implementation partner, or your lead implementer for the APQP rollout.
Take advantage of our comprehensive knowledge transfer—our collaboration always includes training and skill development in the areas of development, production ramp-up, project management, and methodological expertise.
Comprehensive project support
We understand the aviation industry, we understand the requirements for implementing APQP, and we understand EN 9145.
Our customers benefit in a unique way from our industry and methodological expertise: through years of experience in project management, certification, and regulatory approval; an understanding of critical success factors; APQP expertise; and practical project knowledge. That is why we support you in establishing stable development and manufacturing processes to ensure a successful series production ramp-up. Practice-oriented with a sense of proportion and realism.
We have extensive expertise across the entire APQP/PPAP process, including the necessary tools such as DFMEA and PFMEA, MSA, and SPC.
High level of advisory reliability
We offer you the highest possible security for your invested consultant fee. If you are not satisfied with the performance, you can terminate our cooperation at any time at no additional cost.
If you’d like to get to know our consultants and our approach before committing to a longer-term partnership, start with an initial assessment. This includes an APQP maturity assessment based on EN 9145, which you can also use as a GAP analysis.
We also work based on success – bonus-Malus systems are no problem for us. Please contact us. We stand behind our work!
You want to ask one of our previous customers about our services? We are happy to arrange a telephone contact with a QM representative or a manager.
Capacities for their core task
Your employees, who possess strong methodological skills, are typically already fully occupied with day-to-day operations even without the implementation of APQP or PPAP. Therefore, focus your resources on your core business; we’ll take care of your certification and the optimization of your quality management system.
With AeroImpulse’s support, you can focus solely on the operational aspects of implementing APQP. You can also assign 1–2 students to help us tackle the time-consuming tasks. Minimize your effort in training and interpreting EN 9145. Avoid unnecessary measures and “unintended improvements” to your processes and documents.
Our Books
Do you already know our books on technical aviation management?
