Understanding Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)

PMA parts approved by the FAA first began to enter the market in 2011 after the FAA Part 21 regulations were advised, though the aircraft replacement parts market itself preceded those by around 60 years. In the 1950’s, the replacement parts market was birthed out of a demand for aerospace parts that could be used on obsolete WWII aircraft. Eventually, the scope of replacement parts manufacturing began to expand to cater to more contemporary aircraft. As the market for replacements continued to develop, regulations were added and revised to eventually establish PMA approval.

The first step for a manufacturer to achieve PMA approval for replacement components is applicability. The next step is application, in which the applicant must show the FAA where the component would be installed, the name and address of the applicable manufacturing facility, and designs and documents to thoroughly define the item’s configuration, specifications, etc. Through documentation, the applicant must prove to the FAA how the component would conform to set regulations, as well as how the organization will maintain compliance with quality management systems and manuals. 

If the particular component is approved by the FAA, a PMA will then be issued to the entity. Despite approval being given, the FAA still retains the right to subject and review each change made to the quality system. The entity must also contact the FAA and provide written evidence relating to any changes that may affect the airworthiness, inspection, or conformity of the approved PMA components.

When it comes time to begin sourcing the PMA components that you need for your operations, ASAP Aero Supplies has you covered with everything you are searching for. ASAP Aero Supplies is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aviation, NSN, and electronic parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP Semiconductor is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asapaerosupplies.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.