Key takeaways about aircraft textile certification
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- There is no single stamp: aircraft certification for textiles has four distinct, non-equivalent layers.
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- Layer 1, quality system: ISO 9001 and EN 9100.
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- Layer 2, organisation approvals under EASA/Part 21: 21J (DOA), 21G (POA), Part 145 (MOA).
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- Layer 3, product conformity: fire tests CS 25.853 / FAR 25.853.
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- Layer 4, customer approvals: aircraft manufacturer and airline (FAI process).
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- The fire test depends on material, use and configuration: not all pass the same test.
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- Documentation runs through AeroCert Suite; see Certifications.
“Certified” is one of the least understood words in the sector. In aircraft textiles, there is no single stamp that settles everything: aircraft certification has several layers that are not equivalent.
So what certifications does aviation actually require? What is the EASA/Part 21 framework? And which fire tests apply? This guide answers each.
What layers of certification exist?
Four planes are worth separating, because they answer different questions.
Quality system and organisation approvals
The quality management system (ISO 9001, EN 9100) describes how the company works. Organisation approvals, within EASA/Part 21, define what it is authorised to do: 21J (DOA, design), 21G (POA, production) and Part 145 (MOA, maintenance).
Product conformity and customer approvals
Product conformity proves a specific material passes the applicable tests, above all fire. Customer approvals are those of the aircraft manufacturer and the airline, often through First Article Inspection (FAI). These are complementary layers, not interchangeable.
What is the EASA and Part 21 framework?
In Europe the authority is EASA (and AESA in Spain). The relevant organisation approvals, within Part 21 and associated frameworks, do not replace product conformity or the aircraft manufacturer’s approvals.
Which fire tests apply?
Conformity for fire is governed by CS 25.853 (Appendix F) and its FAR 25.853 counterpart. The applicable test depends on the material, its location and its configuration: vertical Bunsen burner for textiles, oil burner for cushions, or heat release and smoke density for large panels.
Do all materials pass the same test?
No. It is a mistake to claim so. The combination of material, function and location defines the method, and behaviour is validated on the finished product. The fundamental properties tested in aircraft textiles fall into four critical categories: fire resistance, mechanical performance, environmental durability, and emissions.See our Fire Blocking solutions.
How does Neotex manage it?
At Industrial Neotex we work the four layers in an orderly way and document conformity for each project through AeroCert Suite. The detail is on our Certifications page.
Frequently asked questions about aircraft textile certification
What certifications does aviation require for textiles?
Not a single one. Four layers coexist: the quality system (ISO 9001, EN 9100), the EASA/Part 21 organisation approvals (design, production, Part 145 in maintenance), product conformity against the CS 25.853 fire tests, and the approvals of the aircraft manufacturer and the airline. They are complementary and not equivalent.
Is ISO 9001 enough on its own?
No. The quality system is only one layer,in case of the aerospace industry it is also mandatory to comply with EN9100; organisation approvals, product conformity and customer approvals are also required.
Aircraft certification of a textile means assessing the four layers together. To organise it for your project, ask about AeroCert Suite.