Aerospace Technical Proposal: Approvals, Certifications and Specific Procedures

Part 145 approval authorises a company to perform aircraft and component maintenance. Issued by the DGAC via OSAC, it covers specific categories: A (aircraft), B (engines), C (components other than engines/APU), D (specialised components). The proposal must detail: approval number, categories covered, scope of work, responsible authority and validity date.

Part 21 approval covers production (POA — Production Organisation Approval) and design (DOA — Design Organisation Approval). SME parts suppliers must generally hold a POA. The proposal must present: approved production scope, EASA Form 1 certificates, parts traceability, and airworthiness management procedures.

EN 9100 (equivalent to AS9100 in the US) is the quality standard for the aerospace sector. Based on ISO 9001 with additional requirements (configuration management, traceability, risk management, FAI — First Article Inspection), it is virtually mandatory for Tier 1 and 2 suppliers. Certification is registered in the OASIS database.

The DGA is the main state buyer, purchasing maintenance for military equipment (Rafale, A400M, NH90), systems acquisition, studies and R&D. DGA contracts often require security clearances. The PLACE platform centralises publications.

ADP (Paris Airports), Vinci Airports, Edeis and regional airport managing CCIs issue contracts for: airport equipment, infrastructure maintenance, navigation and lighting systems, airport security. These contracts often fall under special sectors with higher thresholds.

The DGAC via DSNA purchases air traffic control systems, radars, communication equipment and maintenance services. These contracts are highly technical, requiring specific qualifications (DO-178C for embedded software, DO-254 for electronic hardware).

Aerospace requires total traceability of every part, operation and modification. The proposal must describe: the configuration management system, raw material traceability (3.1 certificates per EN 10204), serialisation and marking procedures, technical data management (TDP). Mention the tools used (SAP, IFS, Windchill or equivalent).

Human factors are critical in aerospace. The proposal must present: human factors training (Dirty Dozen), continuing education programme, individual authorisations (aerospace welding, NDT, surface treatment), competency management and versatility matrix.

Contracts involving US technologies are subject to ITAR and EAR regulations. The proposal must demonstrate mastery of these constraints: export control procedures, controlled article identification (USML/CCL), export licence management, staff compliance training. A documented ICP (Internal Compliance Program) is often required.