Conformity Inspection
Section 03: Certification & Approval Types
Definition
A physical inspection performed to verify that a test article, production article, or installation conforms to the approved type design data (drawings, specifications, and process documents). During type certification, conformity inspections are conducted on test specimens before compliance testing to ensure the test article accurately represents the intended design. In production, conformity inspections verify that manufactured articles match the approved design. Conformity inspections may be performed by the FAA, a DAR, or an ODA unit member.
Where This Shows Up
Conformity inspections are the bridge between design (paper) and hardware. Before a compliance test (such as a structural test or flight test), the test article must be conformity-inspected to confirm it was built per the approved design. If the test article does not conform, the test results cannot be credited toward compliance.
Primary Sources
FAA requirement for conformity inspections of test articles during type certification.
FAA procedures for conformity inspections in the production context.
Related Terms
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