1. Introduction & Scope
1.1 Purpose
This section establishes the foundational context, intent, and boundaries of the AeroVance Aerospace Corp. Quality Management System (QMS). The purpose is to define the organizational commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across all aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and defense programs.
The QMS serves as the governing framework for ensuring that all products, services, and processes meet or exceed customer requirements, statutory obligations, and industry standards including AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015, and applicable ITAR/EAR regulations.
This document is a controlled component of the AeroVance Management System. Distribution is restricted to authorized personnel, partners, and auditors. Unauthorized reproduction or external distribution is prohibited without written approval from the Quality Assurance Director.
1.2 Scope of Application
The AeroVance QMS applies to the design, development, production, delivery, and post-delivery support of aerospace systems and components. The scope encompasses all business units and operational facilities under AeroVance global governance.
Propulsion Division
Chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems for launch vehicles and orbital transfer.
Satellite Systems
Smallsat, cubesat, and heavy-lift satellite platform engineering and integration.
Defense Engineering
Stealth technology, tactical UAVs, and space-based surveillance platforms.
MRO Services
FAA-certified maintenance, repair, and overhaul for commercial and military fleets.
R&D Labs
Materials science, hypersonic testing, and avionics research facilities.
Global Facilities
Houston HQ, Cape Canaveral Ops, Nevada Test Site, and partner manufacturing sites.
1.2.1 Exclusions
In accordance with Clause 4.3 of ISO 9001:2015, the following exclusions apply:
- Design and Development (Clause 8.3): Excluded only for products manufactured strictly to detailed customer drawings with no design input from AeroVance. All other programs retain full design authority under this QMS.
- Third-Party Logistics: Transportation and freight forwarding are managed via external logistics partners. While these partners are evaluated under Clause 8.4, the actual transportation process is out of scope for internal process control.
1.3 Definitions & Acronyms
The following terms are critical to understanding the scope and requirements of this document.
1.4 Normative References
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
| Reference Code | Title | Version | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS9100D | Aerospace Quality Management System Requirements | 2016 | d>Primary QMS Standard |
| ISO 9001 | Quality Management Systems — Requirements | 2015 | Foundation Standard |
| AS9102 | First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) | Rev B | Production Verification |
| ISO 14001 | Environmental Management Systems | 2015 | Environmental Scope |
| DO-178C | Software Considerations in Airborne Systems | Current | Avionics Software |
1.5 Document Control & Revision History
This document is maintained by the AeroVance Quality Engineering Department under configuration management system ID CM-QMS-MANUAL.
| Revision | Date | Description | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 2019-03-12 | Initial release of AeroVance QMS Manual. | A. Vance |
| B | 2021-08-20 | Updated scope to include Satellite Systems Division and AS9100D alignment. | A. Vance |
| C | 2024-11-15 | Added Defense Engineering scope, updated ITAR references, revised Exclusions section per Audit Finding 23-04. | A. Vance, J. Director |