The procedure for the first article inspection process contained ambiguities that resulted in an interpretation whereby the use of the manufacturing stage drawings was deemed to be acceptable.
As part of their ongoing quality assurance activities, Rolls-Royce had previously revised the group quality procedure for first article inspections to explicitly preclude the use of manufacturing stage drawings during the inspection. In addition, Rolls-Royce advised the ATSB that in January 2011:
A revision to the First Article Inspection (FAI) process was also issued that provided further guidance to personnel if the design intent could not be met.
The ATSB is satisfied that the actions taken by Rolls-Royce adequately addresses this safety issue and therefore makes no recommendation.
