History/Background

Quality assurance-related Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) were first introduced in ICAO Annex 15 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – Aeronautical Information Services, Chapter 3, 3.2.1, which became applicable on 6 November 1997. In amendment 30 to Annex 15, a recommendation was added to be in conformity with the ISO 9000 Series of quality assurance standards, and certified.

Need for Quality

The role and importance of aeronautical information/data has changed significantly with the implementation of RNAV, RNP and airborne computer-based navigation systems. These systems are all data-dependent, and in that respect aeronautical data have become the crucial and critical components of the system.

Consequently, corrupt or erroneous aeronautical information/data can potentially affect the safety of air navigation. In this respect, each Contracting State has to take necessary measures to introduce a properly organized quality system containing procedures, processes and resources necessary to implement quality management at each functional stage (originating or collecting, collating or assembling, editing, formatting, storing, publishing and distributing of aeronautical information) of the data process.

Established quality systems must provide users with the necessary assurance and confidence that distributed aeronautical information/data satisfy established requirements for data quality (accuracy, resolution and integrity) and for data traceability. The system shall also provide assurance of the applicability period of intended use of aeronautical data as well as that the agreed distribution dates will be met.

Need for a Quality Management System (QMS)

The role of AIS/MAP is one of the foundation building blocks for the successful transition to global CNS/ATM systems. At the core of this building block lies the Quality Management System that will ensure timely provision of quality aeronautical information/data to the aviation community.

The ISO 9000 series of standards and associated guidelines are based on principles which emphasize satisfying the "Customer” and meeting customer requirements. The customers, in an AIM context, are equivalent to users of aeronautical information/data pilots, aircraft operators, air traffic controllers, flight planning organizations, general aviation, data vendors, etc.

The ISO QMS approach encourages organizations to analyze customer requirements, define the processes that contribute to the achievement of a product which is acceptable to the customer, and keep those processes controlled.

Where are we now?