When a veteran pilot named Mark discovered unusual vibrations mid-flight, he grounded his small turboprop immediately after landing. The culprit? A recently installed aftermarket component that didn’t meet FAA compliance. What followed was a months-long investigation, delayed maintenance schedules, and mounting costs. Mark’s story isn’t unique. In fact, improperly sourced or uncertified parts have contributed to numerous safety risks and regulatory violations across the aviation industry. With thousands of aircraft parts being installed or replaced every year, understanding how to verify FAA compliance isn’t just best practice—it’s mission critical.
Why FAA Compliance Matters
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates all aircraft components installed in U.S.-registered aircraft. Non-compliant parts can compromise safety, increase liability for operators, and result in penalties or aircraft grounding. According to a 2021 FAA report, more than 24,000 suspected unapproved parts (SUPs) were investigated between 2010 and 2020. Even more concerning, the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) notes that SUPs have played a role in at least 25 accidents or incidents over the past 15 years.
Compliance ensures that all parts meet rigorous standards of airworthiness, traceability, and performance under Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), specifically 14 CFR Parts 21, 43, and 91.
Key Approval Pathways for Aircraft Parts
Before verifying compliance, it’s crucial to understand the main FAA-approved categories:
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
These parts are produced under FAA design and production authorization. PMA parts must meet or exceed the OEM part’s standards.
Technical Standard Order (TSO)
TSO authorization means a part meets specific minimum performance standards set by the FAA.
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
When a modification deviates from the original type design, an STC certifies that the new part maintains airworthiness.
Production Certificate (PC)
Granted to OEMs who manufacture parts under their type certificate.
How to Identify FAA-Compliant Parts
To avoid costly mistakes, follow these steps to verify part compliance:
Check Documentation and Traceability
All FAA-approved parts must come with airworthiness documentation, including Form 8130-3 for new parts or an equivalent release certificate. If the part is PMA, it should include clear markings, tags, and documentation linking it back to the approved manufacturer.
Vet the Vendor or Repair Station
Only buy from FAA-certified repair stations (under 14 CFR Part 145) or reputable distributors. Transparency matters—always ask for documentation, especially if the part has been overhauled or salvaged. Be cautious with parts listed on online marketplaces or from unverified sources. For deeper insight, explore how to choose compliant aircraft parts.
Use FAA Databases
The FAA provides resources like the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) and the Suspected Unapproved Parts Program (SUPP) database. These tools help identify known bad actors and validate certificate holders.
Know the Exceptions
Some parts don’t need traditional FAA approval:
- Standard Parts (e.g., bolts, nuts) that meet established specs like SAE or NAS.
- Owner-Produced Parts, allowed under 14 CFR 21.9(a)(5), must be for the owner’s aircraft only and cannot be sold.
- Repair Station-Fabricated Parts, made under strict internal quality control for a specific maintenance job.
Sofema Aviation Services notes that even owner-produced parts must meet airworthiness standards and should be documented properly to avoid disputes during inspections.
Penalties and Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to verify FAA approval can lead to serious consequences. Operators found using unapproved parts may face:
- Aircraft grounding
- Regulatory fines from the FAA
- Increased insurance premiums
- Civil and even criminal penalties in extreme cases
In 2022, a California-based parts supplier was fined over $200,000 after selling unapproved components to maintenance facilities, underscoring how costly oversight can be (FAA Enforcement News).
Best Practices for Maintenance Teams and Operators
- Create a verification checklist for every part ordered.
- Train procurement staff on recognizing airworthiness documentation.
- Establish vendor approval protocols and conduct regular audits.
- Document everything — from purchase to installation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) recommends regular internal audits and vendor vetting as preventive strategies (DOT OIG Report).
Conclusion
Mark’s situation could have been avoided with thorough verification. In a world where safety margins leave no room for error, ensuring FAA compliance of aftermarket parts is both a legal and moral imperative. Armed with knowledge, accessible tools, and the right partners, aircraft owners and operators can confidently navigate the parts procurement process.
Will your next part purchase stand up to FAA scrutiny?
