OEM and PMA Aircraft Parts Sourcing
OEM and PMA parts can both be legitimate sourcing paths when the specific article is approved and eligible for the intended installation. The right decision depends on technical applicability and operating requirements—not the label alone.
Start with eligibility
Confirm the exact aircraft, engine, appliance, model, serial range, and modification state. Review the applicable parts catalog, approval basis, instructions, service information, and operator policy. Similar appearance or dimensions do not establish eligibility.
Compare documentation and support
Ask for the approval and release documentation that accompanies the item, plus installation or continued-airworthiness information when applicable. Consider warranty, technical support, replacement availability, and how the choice fits the operator’s reliability and records programs.
Account for commercial constraints
Compare unit price with lead time, minimum quantities, shelf life, shipping, future availability, and downtime exposure. A lower unit price may not be the lower operational cost if it increases an aircraft-on-ground delay or creates an unsupported stock position.
Make the decision traceable
Document the technical reference used, who confirmed eligibility, the offered condition, and why the source met the purchasing and quality requirements. Final installation decisions belong with authorized and appropriately qualified personnel.