Parts Manufacturer Approval
PMASection 03: Certification & Approval Types
Definition
A combined design and production approval issued by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart K, that authorizes a manufacturer to produce and sell replacement or modification parts for installation on type-certificated products. A PMA holder must demonstrate that the part meets the applicable airworthiness requirements (design approval) and that the manufacturing quality system can consistently produce conforming parts (production approval). PMA parts are approved for installation as alternatives to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.
Where This Shows Up
PMA provides a legal pathway for competition in the aircraft parts market. A PMA may be obtained through several methods: licensing agreement with the TC holder, test and computation showing compliance with the applicable airworthiness requirements, or identicality (demonstrating the part is identical in design to the OEM part). PMA parts are a significant segment of the aviation aftermarket.
Primary Sources
Across Jurisdictions
14 CFR Part 21, Subpart K
The FAA issues PMAs as combined design and production approvals for replacement and modification parts.
EASA does not have a direct equivalent to the FAA PMA. Parts production in the EASA system is governed through POA privileges or EASA Form 1 for articles produced by approved organisations. Alternative parts may be approved through specific approval mechanisms.
The FAA PMA concept, which allows competitive parts production by non-TC holders, does not have a directly equivalent regulatory pathway in the EASA system.
Related Terms
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