SAE AS9138-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Aerospace Series — Quality Management Systems — Statistical Product Acceptance Requirements (SAE AS9138-2018). This standard defines requirements and minimum documented procedure content for the use of statistical product acceptance methods in aerospace-related quality management systems, including criteria for retrievability, safety/critical characteristics, and quality parameters to protect the customer and meet defined risk levels.

Abstract

AS9138-2018 provides a structured set of requirements for implementing statistical acceptance techniques (attribute and variable sampling, acceptance plans and associated documentation) within organizations subject to aerospace quality management system requirements. It clarifies expectations for documented procedures, the relationship to AS9100-series QMS requirements, and controls for safety‑ or mission‑critical characteristics to ensure product acceptance decisions meet defined risk objectives.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: January 20, 2018.
• Publisher: SAE International (Aerospace Standards).
• ICS / categories: Quality management systems; Aerospace quality; Statistical acceptance sampling; Supply chain / procurement controls.
• Edition / version: AS9138-2018 (issued January 2018).
• Number of pages: 94.

Scope

AS9138 establishes requirements for applying statistical product acceptance methods to demonstrate conformity and control risk when releasing or accepting product in the aerospace supply chain. It sets the minimum content for an organization’s documented procedures governing the selection and application of sampling plans, acceptance criteria, and associated records, and specifies how these requirements interface with the AS9100/9110/9120 family of quality management standards. The standard emphasizes controls for retrievability and safety/critical characteristics to protect the customer.

Key topics and requirements

• Establishing documented procedures for statistical product acceptance (attribute and variable methods).
• Selection and justification of sampling plans and acceptance criteria to meet defined producer/consumer risk and organizational objectives.
• Controls for safety- and mission‑critical characteristics and retrievability of acceptance records.
• Integration and conformance with AS9100-series quality management requirements.
• Requirements for lot identification, nonconforming product disposition, and supplier/customer communication during acceptance activities.
• Use of statistical tools and evidence to support acceptance decisions and continuous improvement.

Typical use and users

AS9138 is used by aerospace prime contractors, component and material suppliers, quality engineers, procurement and receiving inspection teams, contract managers, and regulatory or certification personnel who need consistent, auditable statistical acceptance processes. It is commonly applied when organizations must demonstrate statistically justified acceptance decisions for lots or batches, or when contractually required by customers and primes.

Related standards

Closely related documents include the AS9100-series QMS standards (AS9100/AS9110/AS9120) which define broader aerospace QMS requirements; ISO/EN sampling and statistical standards commonly referenced for sampling techniques and plan design; and regional/adopted versions where applicable (for example EN 9138 adoption in some jurisdictions). AS9138 is positioned as the aerospace-specific reference for statistical product acceptance within the AS9100 ecosystem.

Keywords

AS9138, statistical acceptance, acceptance sampling, aerospace quality, AS9100, sampling plan, acceptance criteria, safety-critical characteristics, retrievability, supplier quality, lot acceptance.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS9138-2018 is an SAE Aerospace Series standard that defines requirements for the use of statistical product acceptance methods and the minimum content of documented procedures that govern those methods in aerospace quality management systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the selection and application of attribute and variable sampling plans, acceptance criteria, documentation and retrievability, handling of safety/critical characteristics, and how statistical acceptance integrates with AS9100-series QMS requirements.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Aerospace primes and suppliers, quality and receiving inspection teams, procurement and contract managers, and certification/oversight bodies use AS9138 when statistical acceptance methods are required or advantageous for product acceptance decisions.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AS9138-2018 is the published 2018 issue and is listed as active in SAE records; users should confirm on SAE or IAQG publication listings for any revisions or later superseding editions before relying on it for procurement or certification decisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — AS9138 is part of the SAE Aerospace Series of standards and is intended to be used in conjunction with AS9100/AS9110/AS9120 quality management standards and other aerospace governance documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Statistical product acceptance, sampling plan, acceptance criteria, aerospace quality, AS9138, AS9100, safety/critical characteristic, retrievability, supplier acceptance.