In order to enhance consistency between Nadcap auditors, a team comprised of PRI staff, Nadcap Subscribers, aerospace Supplier customers and auditors developed a plan and drafted a new procedure to institute controls and monitor the progress of auditor consistency. In addition to Nadcap auditors and PRI staff, thanks go to representatives from the following companies for their support and hard work on this initiative: AAA Plating, Alcoa, BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Bombardier Inc., Honeywell Aerospace and Rolls-Royce plc.

A significant outcome of this initiative is the development of a standard initial auditor training & orientation program that incorporates training modules (along with learning assessments for each) targeting key areas required of all auditors (such as auditing skills, non-conformance writing, Nadcap procedures, etc).

Other key elements addressed in the draft procedure include: development of a standard data set used by Task Groups to identify potential areas of concern; recommendation for standard proficiency exams used to assess levels of technical knowledge in key areas; and recommendation for routine and targeted Nadcap Subscriber audit observations.

Scott Klavon, Director, Nadcap Program and Aerospace Operations, explains "For aerospace companies who do not attend Nadcap meetings or interact a great deal with PRI staff during the review of their Nadcap audit, the auditor may be the person they associate most with the Nadcap program.

It is our responsibility to ensure that our customers receive a clear, consistent and well-rounded service. The auditor plays a crucial role in the provision of that service, so their ability to do so is always a focus.

This team represents a significant step forward in developing a standardized global auditor base for the Nadcap program."

This becomes even more important as the program grows internationally. As announced recently, the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) of Shanghai, has now subscribed to Nadcap.

Mr. Xu Jianqiang, Chief Quality Officer of COMAC's C919 program explained: "Being a passenger aircraft manufacturer, COMAC is committed to provide large passenger aircraft that are safe, economical, comfortable and environmentally friendly. By subscribing to the Nadcap program, COMAC will be able to strengthen its cooperation and communication with the global special process supply chain, therefore contributing to the continual improvement of the aerospace industry."

Joe Pinto, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the not-for-profit Performance Review Institute, which administers Nadcap on behalf of the global aerospace industry, commented: "COMAC’s commitment to quality through Nadcap subscription demonstrates the global reach of the program and the value that it delivers to the industry. I welcome COMAC as a Nadcap subscriber and look forward to working with their representatives to continually improve the industry-managed Nadcap program for all stakeholders."

This sentiment echoes that of another recent Nadcap subscriber: Embraer SA of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Alexandre Braz Negroni, Senior Manager, Supplier Quality and Development of Embraer SA explained: "Embraer is proud to be part of a group that is striving to enhance special processes that will be the guarantee for more reliable products. Embraer strongly believes that preparing for quality is a key determiner to improve safety and reduce costs, and is confident that joining efforts with Nadcap and its "partners" will make the special process supply chain stronger and more prepared for the airspace industry's new demands."

Scott Klavon, Director of Nadcap and Aerospace Operations for the not-for-profit Performance Review Institute, which administers Nadcap on behalf of the global aerospace industry, commented: "Quite rightly, quality is a critical component of aerospace manufacturing and Nadcap plays a key important role in special process and product quality risk mitigation. A commitment to Nadcap - whether by a Supplier becoming Nadcap-accredited or by a Prime subscribing to Nadcap - is a commitment to quality, safety and customer satisfaction. I look forward to working with Embraer SA to continually improve the industry-managed Nadcap program for all stakeholders."

Learn more at www.pri-network.org, or contact Joanna Leigh: joanna.leigh@pri-europe.org.uk