Aircraft components have to adhere to strict safety and manufacturing requirements in order to be legally produced for installation and use on U.S.-certificated aircraft. The question is: what does “certified” really mean, and how does a part make the leap from design to an approved aviation component?
What Is Aircraft Parts Certification?
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls the certification and production of aircraft parts under 14 CFR Part 21. Depending on the kind of component and the way in which it will be used, the approval may come in the form of a type certificate, Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), or Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA).
When it comes to parts meant for replacement and modification, PMA is one of the most important types of approval. A PMA uses both design and production approval, which means that a manufacturer can produce and sell an approved article for installation on eligible type-certificated products.
How Does the Approval Process Work?
Approval processes can differ according to each component, but for the most part, manufacturers must demonstrate two things:
- The design achieves relevant airworthiness requirements
- The manufacturer is able to consistently produce the part in accordance with the approved design.
Important steps in approval include:
- Defining the part and its what it’s meant to do.The manufacturer specifies the aircraft, engine, or propeller model for which the part is intended.
- Developing the engineering data. This can mean drawings, specifications, materials, dimensions, processes and other technical details that make up the part’s design.
- Proving compliance. Contingent on the approval basis, manufacturers can implement testing, engineering calculations, or other evidence of the part’s adherence to an approved design.
- Demonstrating manufacturing capability. The FAA determines if a manufacturer’s production system and quality controls are able to consistently create approvable parts.
- Inspecting and testing. The FAA requires that materials, manufacturing processes, and finished pieces meet the standards of approved design.
- Getting production approval. When the relevant requirements are met, the FAA can then sign off on parts production with the appropriate approval.
What About TSO Parts?
Certain parts receive a design and production approved called a Technical Standard Order (TSO). A TSO means that a component meets a minimum performance standard for a safe and airworthy item. A TSO Authorization (TSOA) includes design and production approval, but does not mean the article is approved for installation. It simply states that the part has been approved in isolation. These parts must still satisfy the corresponding aircraft-specific requirements.
Certification Isn’t Just Approval
Aircraft parts must continue to meet quality controls and regulations for as long as they remain in service. For example, the Authorized Release Certificate/Airworthiness Approval Tag (FAA Form 8130-3), is referenced for certain airworthiness and release documentation.
Thus, the certification of aircraft parts isn’t limited to just testing a component one time. It is a full system made to ensure safety of design, a controlled manufacturing process, and that each approved part is traceable to the corresponding requirements.
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