scope:

The ACSEP will evaluate holders of a DOA, DAS, and SFAR 36 authorization; it will also evaluate all PC, APIS, PMA, TSO authorization holders, their associate facilities, and satellite MMF's that are assessed as category 1 and 2 facilities in resource targeting groups I through II. See FAA Order 8120.2. PAHs assessed as category 3 facilities, suppliers, and holders of a letter of TSO design approval are not subject to ACSEP. However, an ACSEP at a PAH may be extended by the ACSEP team leader to key suppliers, sub-tier suppliers or processors to verify the PAH is satisfactorily controlling their suppliers. The ACSEP will be implemented by the directorates of the Aircraft Certification Service, and supported by the Aircraft Engineering Division, AIR-100, and the Production and Airworthiness Division, AIR-200.

PURPOSE. This order establishes and describes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Certification Systems Evaluation Program (ACSEP). This program is an element of certificate management (CM) which supports the FAA mission of continued operational safety. FAA Order 8120.2, Production Approval and Surveillance Procedures, defines the entire CM program. Other evaluations, audits or inspections may be required in accordance with directorate or headquarters directives.

This program is a vital element within the FAA mission of continued operational safety and is therefore excluded from the Department of Transportation's plan to reduce internal regulations by 50 percent. Figure 1-1 depicts the ACSEP life cycle process. The ACSEP is a comprehensive evaluation program that:

a. Applies standardized systems evaluation to the continued integrity of the design data, subsequent to initial approval by the FAA or FAA-delegated representatives; to production activities at production approval holders (PAH), associate facilities, and their satellite manufacturer's maintenance facilities; and to design approval systems in place at delegated facilities. The ACSEP does not reevaluate the approval of previously approved data such as quality manuals and design data.

b. Ascertains whether production approval holders, associate facilities, and delegated facilities are meeting the requirements of applicable Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and complying with procedures established to meet those requirements, including control of satellite MMF's.

c. Surveys the application of standardized evaluation criteria not required by applicable CFR or FAA-approved data to identify national trends which may require development of new or revised regulations, policy, and guidance.

d. Provides customer focus through the establishment of a database for analysis of evaluation results and for reporting of trends in continued operational safety upon which our customers may act.

e. Provides continuous improvement through the continual evaluation of lessons learned and customer feedback reports, through the submittal of proposed improvements by our internal and external customers, and by the establishment of permanent continuous improvement teams.

f. Provides for employee involvement by establishing and maintaining a professional staff of trained evaluators composed of aviation safety inspectors, aerospace engineers, and flight test pilots.