What is PMA part?

What is PMA part??

Part Manufacture Approval (PMA) is an approval to design/produce/manufacture the licensed copy of the original parts.

So, the PMA part?- is a licensed equivalent of the OEM part.

Just to remind you that are Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) that produce the original parts and manufacturers that hold a PMA that allows them to produce non-original parts or let’s say PMA parts

The OEM parts are eligible for installation to aircraft through the approved maintenance documentation: IPC, CMM, AMM, SRM, etc.?

The PMA parts are eligible for installation by FAA approval which refers to the OEM parts.?PMA parts are legal for use in the USA and accepted by EASA as part of the Bi-lateral arrangements.

You can check such parts following the link: https://drs.faa.gov/browse

Why is PMA?

·????????To provide operators with more options for parts purchasing?

·????????To fight against OEM monopoly?

·????????To keep aircraft flying?

Is it allowed to install PMA??

An aircraft lease agreement has a paragraph describing the policy for non-OEM / PMA parts installation to the aircraft systems.?

Such documents as MCM, and MOE may have paragraphs describing company policy in terms of PMA parts, their applicability, and requirements for installation to different aircraft systems.

Usually, these documents have a procedure describing how the PMA part must be evaluated/treated/accepted for installation on the aircraft.?

Main points of the procedure:

The engineering department conducts analysis figuring out:

·????????the terms of the lease agreement

·????????risk of installation into the aircraft system

·????????crosscheck all?information and documentation

·????????check the FAA Form 8130-3

The FAA Form 8130-3 is supposed to be issued along with PMA part while it is manufactured, it's block 12 should provide reference to the manufacturer’s PMA license and include statement that the datum part is not a critical.

Price vs Quality?

Usually, lessors do not trust the PMA parts, especially, installing them to the Engine, APU, let's say expensive components, considering these parts less reliable and decreasing the final value of the item/component/aircraft.

But you should know that in most cases the FAA certification of PMA manufacturing process is more strict than either OEM manufacturing, so to be honest, there is nothing to worry about.?

PMA parts?are significantly cheaper than OEM providing the same or higher level of quality and safety.?

Please share your comments if any, let discuss the PMA. How does it work in your company?

What you know about PMA and what you can add to this article?

Have a look at the example of the FAA Form 8130-3. Block 12 consist of important informattion. Always point your attention at Block 12 for PMA related parts.

Here is a screenshot from https://drs.faa.gov/browse