PMA Parts Marking and Approval: A look at the regulations

PMA Parts Marking and Approval
A look at the regulations

By Fred Workley

In today's cost-conscious environment the use of PMA parts is growing. But there are standards and regulations that have to be met. The following article will take a closer look at the situation.

An approval process is required by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) for replacement and modification parts for installation on a type certificated product. PMA (Parts Manufacturing Authority) parts may be found to be acceptable for installation on a type certificated product according to FAA Advisory Circular (AC) No: 20-62D. AC 20-62D also says that for PMA parts the FAA-PMA symbol is needed. An FAA-PMA is issued under section 21.303. Each PMA part should be marked with the letters, "FAA-PMA," in accordance with 14 CFR Part 45, section 45.15:

(1) The name.
(2) Trademark or symbol.
(3) Part number.
(4) Name and model designation of each certificated product on which the part is eligible for installation.