Parts Compliance

Ensuring compliance in aircraft parts management requires following a complex regulatory framework that integrates FARs, FAA Orders, and Advisory Circulars (ACs). The hierarchical structure ensures that certification, marking, storage, removal, and disposal of parts are standardized and traceable. 14 CFR Part 21 governs the approval process for parts, requiring either Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Technical Standard Order (TSO) compliance. Once approved, parts must be properly marked per 14 CFR Part 45, ensuring they are traceable throughout their lifecycle.

However, conflicts arise in documentation requirements across multiple regulatory sources. For example, AC 21-45 (Commercial Parts Eligibility) allows certain non-critical commercial parts to be used in aircraft, yet FAA Order 8130.21 requires an 8130-3 form for airworthiness certification. Similarly, AC 20-62E (Parts Eligibility & Identification) emphasizes traceability, while 14 CFR 43.10 mandates proper tagging of removed parts to prevent unauthorized reuse. These overlapping requirements can cause inconsistencies in enforcement when documentation expectations vary.

Another challenge emerges in handling suspected unapproved parts (SUPs). FAA Order 8120.16 mandates reporting and segregating SUPs, whereas AC 20-154A (Receiving Inspection Systems) focuses on preventative measures to avoid receiving unapproved parts in the first place. This creates a gap where certain parts may enter service before identification as SUPs, increasing compliance risks. Meanwhile, FAA Order 8120.11 requires disposition of rejected parts, but ambiguity remains in whether destruction or permanent marking is required for non-reusable parts.

Despite these regulatory complexities, FAA Orders provide enforcement clarity. FAA Order 8900.1 provides inspectors with clear compliance standards, ensuring that repair stations adhere to 14 CFR Part 145’s storage and maintenance protocols. Additionally, AC 43.13-1B (Maintenance Practices) offers approved inspection and storage procedures, bridging gaps between FARs and FAA Orders. This integration strengthens traceability, regulatory accountability, and part safety.

In conclusion, aircraft parts management requires harmonizing regulatory sources to minimize conflicts. FARs provide legal authority, FAA Orders ensure enforcement clarity, and ACs supply detailed guidance on best practices. By following standardized workflows for receiving, inspecting, marking, storing, removing, and disposing of parts, aviation professionals can ensure compliance, safety, and airworthiness, mitigating risks related to unapproved parts, improper storage, and documentation gaps.

Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

Certification, Maintenance, and Identification of Aircraft Parts

14 CFR Part 21 – Certification & Approvals
Governs the design and production approval of aircraft parts, including PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval), TSO (Technical Standard Order), and certification standards for new components. This regulation ensures that all manufactured parts meet strict FAA safety and regulatory requirements before installation in an aircraft.

14 CFR Part 43 – Maintenance & Removal
Defines the scope and responsibility of maintenance activities for aircraft and their parts. It includes inspection, repairs, modifications, and the correct procedures for removing and reinstalling parts to maintain airworthiness.

14 CFR Part 45 – Marking & Identification
Specifies how aircraft parts must be marked and identified to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance. These markings help in tracking approved components and distinguishing them from suspected unapproved parts (SUPs).

14 CFR Part 145 – Repair Stations
Establishes regulations for certifying FAA-approved repair stations, defining the rules for handling, storing, and maintaining aircraft parts. Compliance with Part 145 ensures that repair stations follow FAA safety, recordkeeping, and inspection requirements.

FAA Orders (Compliance & Enforcement)

Airworthiness, Parts Control, and Certification Compliance

8110.118 – Engineering Designees & DER Approvals
Outlines the responsibilities and limitations of FAA Designated Engineering Representatives (DERs) in approving modifications and repairs to aircraft parts. Ensures that any design changes to critical components maintain compliance with airworthiness standards.

8110.119 – Major Repairs & Alterations
Defines how major repairs and alterations to aircraft parts should be documented and approved. This ensures that structural integrity and performance standards are not compromised.

8120.18 – Production Inspection System (PIS)
Establishes inspection system requirements for FAA-certified aircraft part manufacturers. This ensures that defective or non-conforming parts are identified before entering the supply chain.

8010.2A – Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) Program
Provides guidelines for identifying, reporting, and mitigating the use of suspected unapproved parts (SUPs) in aircraft maintenance. Helps protect against counterfeit or improperly documented components.

8110.105B – Delegation of Authority for Approvals
Details FAA delegation procedures for approving aircraft part designs and modifications. This ensures that FAA-authorized individuals follow regulatory standards in approving part changes.

8110.42D CHG 2 – Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
Governs the Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) process, ensuring that aftermarket aircraft parts meet FAA production and safety standards. Covers testing, quality control, and traceability.

8110.48A – Composite Aircraft Parts Approvals
Provides guidance for approving composite aircraft structures and parts. Ensures that materials and fabrication methods meet durability and safety regulations.

8120.16A – Suspected Unapproved Parts Prevention
Defines procedures for preventing unapproved parts from entering aircraft maintenance and operations. Outlines inspection, traceability, and reporting mechanisms.

8120.22A CHG 1 – Quality System for PAH (Production Approval Holders)
Establishes quality control measures for manufacturers producing FAA-approved parts. Ensures strict adherence to safety, testing, and compliance procedures.

8120.23A CHG 1 – Supplier Control & Manufacturing Oversight
Defines supplier quality control standards to prevent non-conforming aircraft parts from entering the supply chain. Focuses on accountability, documentation, and inspection processes.

8130.21H – Airworthiness Approval for Aircraft Parts
Provides requirements for issuing FAA Form 8130-3, which certifies that aircraft parts meet airworthiness and safety requirements.

8150.1D CHG 1 – Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Policy
Defines FAA policies for approving the production of aircraft parts under PMA. Ensures aftermarket components meet the same standards as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts.

FAA Flight Standards Orders (8900.1)

Inspection, Storage, and Airworthiness Tracking

8900.1 Vol.14 Ch.3 Sec.3 – Airworthiness Certification
Covers procedures for issuing and maintaining airworthiness certificates for aircraft parts and components. Ensures that all installed parts meet FAA safety and documentation requirements.

8900.1 Vol.4 Ch.14 Sec.13 – Repair Station Compliance
Provides FAA inspection and compliance guidelines for Part 145 repair stations. Ensures that aircraft parts are properly stored, documented, repaired, and handled according to regulatory requirements.

8900.1 Vol.6 Ch.11 Sec.2 – Aging Aircraft Inspection Program
Establishes inspection requirements for aging aircraft and their parts, including structural integrity evaluations. Ensures that older components are inspected for fatigue, corrosion, and wear before continued use.

8900.1 Vol.6 Ch.11 Sec.28 – Parts Tracking & Airworthiness
Provides guidance on tracking and managing aircraft parts throughout their operational life. Ensures that replacement parts meet airworthiness standards and are properly documented.

8900.1 Vol.6 Ch.2 Sec.2 – Certification of Parts & Materials
Covers FAA certification requirements for materials and aircraft parts, ensuring traceability and compliance with production standards. Defines acceptable testing, documentation, and storage procedures.

8900.1 Vol.6 Ch.9 Sec.1 – Storage & Handling of Aircraft Parts
Establishes FAA guidelines for the proper storage of aircraft parts to prevent degradation. Addresses humidity control, inventory management, and protective packaging to ensure components remain airworthy.

8900.1 Vol.6 Ch.9 Sec.2 – Parts Storage & Handling Compliance
Expands on best practices for handling aircraft parts during maintenance and long-term storage. Helps prevent contamination, damage, and improper use of components in repair facilities.

Advisory Circulars (Best Practices & Guidance)

Receiving, Inspection, and Parts Eligibility

AC 20-119 – Airworthiness Approval of Aircraft Parts
Provides guidance on obtaining airworthiness approval for replacement and modification parts. Ensures that parts meet FAA certification standards before installation on aircraft.

AC 20-127 – Aircraft Parts Fabrication Under 14 CFR
Explains when and how aircraft operators and repair facilities can fabricate their own parts under FAA regulations. Defines limitations, recordkeeping, and compliance requirements.

AC 20-154A – Receiving Inspection for Aircraft Parts
Outlines best practices for receiving and inspecting aircraft parts to verify authenticity, airworthiness, and traceability before use.

AC 20-41A – Replacement and Modification Parts
Defines the criteria for determining whether replacement or modification parts meet regulatory requirements and how to maintain proper documentation.

AC 20-71 – Disposal of Scrap or Unapproved Parts
Establishes FAA guidelines for scrapping and destroying unapproved or unserviceable parts to prevent illegal reuse.

AC 20-97B CHG 1 Ed Update – Aircraft Electrical Wiring & Installation
Covers aircraft electrical wiring installation and maintenance standards, ensuring safe and compliant electrical systems in aircraft parts.

AC 21.101-1B – Type Certification Requirements
Provides guidance on type certification standards for new or modified aircraft parts, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.

AC 21.303-4 – Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Guidance
Establishes PMA requirements for manufacturing and approving replacement aircraft parts.

AC 21-29D – Detecting Counterfeit Aircraft Parts
Provides guidance on detecting, reporting, and preventing counterfeit or fraudulent aircraft parts.

AC 21-41A – Documentation & Traceability for Aircraft Parts
Covers acceptable documentation and recordkeeping requirements for aircraft parts to maintain traceability and compliance.

AC 21-43A – Eligibility of Parts for Installation
Defines which aircraft parts are eligible for installation under FAA certification rules.

AC 21-45 – Commercial Parts Eligibility
Defines eligibility rules for using commercial parts in FAA-certified aircraft.

AC 21-46A – Identifying & Controlling Unapproved Parts
Provides strategies to identify and prevent unapproved parts from entering the aviation supply chain.

AC 21-50 – Approval of Articles Without Design Approval
Explains how FAA allows limited approval of aircraft parts without traditional design approvals.

AC 23.607-1 – Fatigue & Structural Analysis of Aircraft Parts
Defines standards for fatigue analysis of aircraft structural components.

AC 23-27 – Parts Replacement & Continued Airworthiness
Provides guidelines for replacing aircraft parts while maintaining airworthiness compliance.

AC 33-8 – Turbine Engine Part Design & Maintenance
Covers maintenance and certification standards for turbine engine parts.

AC 43-18 CHG 2 – Repair of Aircraft Parts
Defines acceptable repair techniques and documentation for returning aircraft parts to service.

AC 43-213A CHG 1 – Parts Marking & Identification
Covers how aircraft parts must be marked for tracking and compliance.

AC 20-62E – Eligibility & Identification of Aircraft Parts
Provides detailed criteria for determining the eligibility of aircraft parts for installation.