NADCAP approval

Approved data is data which may be used as authorization for the techniques or procedures employed when making an alteration or repair to an FAA-certificated aircraft.

Approved data consists of such documents as Type Certificate Data Sheets, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificates, and special repair  instructions issued by the engineering department of the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the FAA.

Approved inspection systems exist as programmes approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for the inspection and maintenance of an aircraft that will maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition.

The maintenance is performed by approved repair stations. A facility is approved and certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 145 Repair Stations to perform  certain types of repairs to certificated aircraft.
 
Approved Type Certificates are certificates of approval issued by the Federal Aviation Administration for the design of aircraft, engines, or propellers. ATCs certify that products meet at least the minimum design standards.

NADCAP accreditation

Nadcap is a universal standard administered by the not for profit Performance Review Institute (PRI), to ensure manufactured aircraft and aero-engines are of the highest quality.

It is now specified by the majority of prime manufacturers in these sectors.The accreditation will allow aerospace equipment makers to be confident of receiving the highest standard of service, conforming to strict industry guidelines. Companies who have these approvals are already benefiting from reduced auditing.

It  is available for processing, testing and manufacturing, NADCAP accredited chemical processing anodising, phosphating and surface treatment and NADCAP approved machining, NADCAP accredited electronics, for example.