The introduction of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the production of commercial aviation
parts presents unique challenges to FAA inspectors, both in Manufacturing as well as Flight
Standards. The attached job aid is intended to assist the ASI in performing evaluations of
facilities using AM, as well as assisting them in new certification activities.
The attached job aid is a tool intended to provide initial assistance only and is not intended to be
an acceptance criterion for a company’s system. Appendix 1 provides some examples of the
type of things a manufacturer involved in additive manufacturing may need to control. This list is
not all inclusive and reflects primarily the laser and electron beam powder bed fusion process.
Because this technology is just entering its infancy, the Additive Manufacturing National Team
(AMNT) anticipates making frequent revisions to this document as the standards evolve and
industry processes begin to mature and standardize. Feedback from its use will play an
important role in the ongoing development and improvement of this tool.

The introduction of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in commercial aviation part production
presents a unique certification challenge to the ACO engineer. The term AM does not describe
one manufacturing method, but a wide range of methods, each with its own set of concerns and
requirements. The engineering considerations in Appendix 1 are a good starting point for a
certification discussion with an applicant that may be documented in an Issue Paper (IP). The
ACO engineer may tailor their questions depending on the proposed AM process (e.g., laser or
electron beam energy source), the part failure consequence, and the applicable governing
regulations.