As with most any industry the AS&D industry has volumes of regulations and standards which prescribe technologies, work practices, processes, quality management systems, and so much more.  The intent of these prescription documents is to establish common frameworks and expectations so that the industry can exchange in commerce and share in knowledge.  But, who is defining the standards and regulations?  The short answer is, those who chose to be engaged.

If you are not aware of how standards and regulations are developed and what role you can plan on the content and final outcome, you are allowing others to define industry expectations for you.  As an industry professional you have a vested interest in ensuring your voice is heard.  The term professional suggests that you are expert in your profession and that you possess knowledge, skills and abilities which are consistent with professional standards.  And since everything is in a constant state of change, then so are the requisite skills of professionals.  To ensure your relevancy to the profession your contributions and engagement are required.

The benefits for organizations to participate in rulemaking and standards development are substantial. The ability to influence the content of a rule or standard may result in reducing costs, improving quality, and most importantly improving safety.  But there are many other hidden and less discussed benefits.  One, not frequently spoken of benefit is the ability to influence a standard so that the organization does not have to change its own practices.  Essentially, in such a case the standard is a documentation of what the writers are already doing.  Which means everyone else would have to change creating a competitive position for the writers.

Another benefit is derived in rulemaking processes.  By participating in rulemaking teams, or by providing formal comment during comment periods, rules can be influenced to minimize impact to an industry or industry sector. 

Here are some suggestions for professionals and organizations alike when it comes to getting involved and powering the pen.

• As a professional make sure you know which industry groups are involved in writing the standards that influence your profession.  Evaluate where you can best contribute and what would provide you with professional satisfaction.
• Know which standards and rules are under development or are to be developed in the near term.  If you have a vested interest in the content, then get engaged.
• Watch the governmental websites for proposed rulemaking.  In the U.S. this website is referred to as the Federal Register.  And, contrary to popular belief, the government is not always right.  So, watch for opportunities to review and comment on new rules or advisory materials.
• Advisory documents are not necessarily binding when it comes to practice.  However, in the absence of other understanding or sometimes common sense the advisory document becomes rule-like.  Make sure advisory documents get as much attention as standards or rules, otherwise you may find inspectors and auditors enforcing something you may not like.
• Many companies support regulatory authorities when it comes time to create safety rules such as an airworthiness directive.  However, focus may be primarily on the technical solutions documented in the directive.  Make sure every word in such documents are accurate and fact based.  When government representatives are allowed to insert opinion into directives which become rules, then the door is open for litigation.  For example, there is a very big difference in the words "may" and "will", especially when the following word is "fail".  Applying an integrated product/process team approach within your organization to review and draft comments is definitely a best practice.
• If you are new to the profession or your organization is not large enough to ripple the waters of the industry, get involved in industry groups such as the IAQG and ADLI and/or professional societies such as ASQ, SAE, PAMA, ASNT, IEEE, and so on.  There you can find mentors and direction for participation.

Finally, professionals are typically employed and have the obligation of providing input and perspective in the interest of the organization.  But you are also a private person.  There is no reason you can not support the input to standards development on behalf of the organization as well as provide your own perspective if your feel strongly about something.