Probitas Authentication has lifted the suspension of Kris Norlander after less than 50 days, despite evidence that the auditor falsified multiple official AS9100 audit reports.
Norlander was found to have been repeatedly performing fully-remote AS9100 audits over Zoom and other online methods, and then falsifying audit reports to indicate the audits were done on-site. Fully remote audits for years in a row are prohibited for aerospace manufacturing firms.
Norlander operates the certification body KSQA which is accredited by the International Accreditation Service. IAS suspended KSQA twice, but then worked with KSQA to hide this fact from the public, another violation of industry accreditation rules. The IAQG has refused to step in and hold the parties accountable, with an OASIS ticket filed on the matter in February of 2026 still remaining unopened by the oversight body.
Probitas investigated and gathered objective evidence and testimony that Norlander had falsified audit reports and suspended his credentials as an AS9100 auditor in April. Less than two months later, that suspension was silently lifted.
Neither KSQA nor IAS faced any consequences at all for their involvement in the scandal.
This sends a message that auditors in the aviation, space and defense industry may falsify audit data, including performing audits remotely and never actually set foot in a client’s facility, without facing any serious repercussions.
Oxebridge argues this can lead to defective products being sold by companies holding quality attestat6ions such as AS9100, AS9100, or AS9120, which could result in deadly disasters and airplane inoperability.
The IAQG’s intentional refusal to take action suggests it is more concerned with generating revenue for itself and its partners rather than the safety of the flying public or military personnel.
