What is NADCAP?
NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is the special processes accreditation program for aerospace and defence. Managed by the Performance Review Institute (PRI), NADCAP is recognised by major aerospace primes (Boeing, Airbus, Safran, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney…) as proof of high-risk process control.
Which special processes does NADCAP cover?
- Heat Treatment (HT): quenching, tempering, annealing, case hardening
- Chemical Processing (CP): anodising, cadmium plating, chrome plating, chemical conversion
- Welding (W): TIG, MIG, electron beam, laser
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic
- Composites: lay-up, curing, repair
NADCAP and FAI AS9102 Form 2
In a complete FAIR (AS9102), Form 2 documents material and special process traceability. For each special process applied to the part, it must record: process designation and applicable specification, subcontractor name and code, NADCAP accreditation number and expiry date, treatment lot number, and conformance status. Expired or missing NADCAP certifications result in automatic FAIR rejection by the customer.
The link between NADCAP and drawing ballooning (Form 3)
Certain special processes directly affect dimensional characteristics: anodising (20–25 µm) changes external dimensions, heat treatment can cause geometric distortion, welding can modify local dimensions. In these cases, the ballooned drawing and Form 3 must clearly indicate the measurement state (before/after treatment) for each affected characteristic.
BullePlan: complete FAI package (Form 1 + 2 + 3)
BullePlan generates the complete FAI report including Form 1, Form 2, and Form 3 in a single export: AI pre-filled Form 3 from the ballooned drawing, Form 2 with material and special process sections to complete, Form 1 with FAI administrative information. Export to Excel or PDF ready for customer submission.
For more on NADCAP integration in your FAI/PPAP package, see ppap-fai.approche-qualite.fr.