How do you review and audit aerospace engineering projects?

2 Review Types and Phases

Throughout the lifecycle of an aerospace engineering project, different types of reviews can be conducted, depending on the purpose, scope, and level of detail. For example, a Conceptual Design Review (CDR) evaluates the feasibility, functionality, and compatibility of the proposed design concept and its alignment with the project objectives, requirements, and constraints. A Preliminary Design Review (PDR) assesses the completeness, consistency, and maturity of the preliminary design and its readiness for detailed design and development. Additionally, a Critical Design Review (CDR) verifies that the detailed design meets all the requirements and specifications and that the project is ready for fabrication, integration, and testing. Furthermore, a Test Readiness Review (TRR) confirms that the test plan, procedures, equipment, and resources are adequate and available for conducting the planned tests. Additionally, a Test Review Board (TRB) evaluates the test results, findings, anomalies, and recommendations to determine if any corrective actions are needed. An Operational Readiness Review (ORR) ensures that the project is ready for operation and that all operational requirements are in place. Finally, a Post-Implementation Review (PIR) analyzes the project outcomes to compare them with the expected or planned values.

3 Audit Types and Phases

Audits can be conducted on aerospace engineering projects to monitor and improve the project's quality management system and processes, verify and validate the project's compliance with external standards, regulations, or contractual obligations, examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency of the project's processes and procedures, evaluate the quality, functionality, and reliability of the deliverables, assess the performance, integration, and interoperability of the systems and subsystems, as well as evaluate the project's proposal, scope, objectives, requirements, and risks. Audits can be conducted at different phases of the project lifecycle before signing a contract or agreement (pre-contract audit), during the execution phase (in-process audit), or after completion (final audit). Such audits can help identify any gaps or weaknesses in the project as well as provide valuable insights for improving customer satisfaction.

4 Standards and Methods

Aerospace engineering projects can be guided and supported by various standards and methods. For example, ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems, while ISO 9100 is the international standard for quality management systems for the aerospace industry. Additionally, AS9100 and EN 9100 are the American and European versions of ISO 9100 respectively, and JISQ 9100 is the Japanese version. Furthermore, SAE ARP4754 is a standard for guidelines for development of civil aircraft and systems, while SAE ARP4761 is a standard for guidelines and methods for conducting safety assessment processes on civil airborne systems and equipment. Additionally, NASA Systems Engineering Handbook provides principles, processes, and practices for conducting systems engineering activities, while IEEE 1012 provides a framework for system, software, and hardware verification and validation. Finally, IEEE 1028 is a standard for software reviews and audits.

5 Best Practices and Challenges

Reviewing and auditing aerospace engineering projects can be challenging and demanding, yet rewarding and beneficial. To ensure success, it is best to plan and prepare review and audit activities in advance and communicate them clearly and timely to the project team and relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, established standards, methods, and procedures should be followed for conducting the activities along with appropriate tools and techniques for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data. It is also important to involve the right people and resources in the review and audit activities while managing expectations of different parties involved. Adapting to changing needs or circumstances of the project is essential, as well as coordinating with the project team and relevant stakeholders. Finally, evaluating results objectively while providing constructive feedback, recommendations, or corrective actions is necessary for successful review and audit processes.