We strongly encourage you NOT to rely only on our interpretations and explanations of the regulations, but direct you to check with your F.A.A. representative or find the F.A.A. on the web at www.fedworld.gov or www.faa.gov.

Q1: What is FAA-PMA?
Q2: What is TSO or TSOA?
Q3: What’s the difference between a FAA-PMA part versus a TSOA part?
Q4: Is that the only difference?
Q5: Can my company use FAA-PMA or TSOA parts?
Q6: What if my Quality Manager has any more questions?
Q7:  How do I know if you’re supplying a PMA or TSOA part?
Q8:  How can I identify a PMA or TSOA part when I receive it?
Q9: What are the labeling and packaging requirements for a PMA part?
Q10: What are the labeling and packaging requirements for a TSOA part?
Q11: What if a supplier represents a part as being FAA-PMA or TSOA approved and they do not have the markings mentioned above?
Q12: What should I do if I receive improperly marked or Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPS)?
Q13: What is a “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” part?
Q14: Can I still use “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” parts?

Q15: Explain what the MS # actually is please

Q16:  Can you provide paperwork showing that is an approved alternate to the MS part #? 

Q17:  Are Boeing “BAC” specifications considered Standard Parts? 

Q18:  Do Boeing parts need a PMA to be sold in the aftermarket? 

Q19: Can I buy alternate parts that meet the Boeing Spec?

Q20: Can I buy alternate parts if they appear in the component IPC or overhaul manual?

Q21: Can you provide PMA parts that are OEM proprietary?

Q2: What is TSO or TSOA?

A2: TSO or TSOA is a for Federal Aviation Administration designation which stands for Technical Standard Order (TSO) or Technical Standard Order Approval (TSOA) . It is another method by which the F.A.A. conveys airworthiness to an aircraft part. Very often (but not always) a TSO part is a replacement for an original part.  Some people think of TSOA parts as “generic” parts.

Q3: What’s the difference between a FAA-PMA part versus a TSOA part?

A3: Good Question!  There are a couple of important differences.  One is that a FAA-PMA part carries a requirement for the PMA holder to document to the FAA where this part can be used on the aircraft, engine or propeller, and to show it on the PMA supplement letter  and parts packaging. This is referred to as the part’s “eligibility.” With a TSOA the installer makes the decision on where the part is used.

Q4: Is that the only difference?

A4: Another thing that is different between PMA’s & TSOA’s is the nature of their approval.  In the most basic terms, a PMA holder is providing a part by demonstrating to the FAA that the part he is producing is equal to or better than the original (OEM) part it replaces. In contrast, a TSO produced part must only meet minimum prescribed F.A.A. mandated standards or requirements.

Q5: Can my company use FAA-PMA or TSOA parts?

A5: More and more smart customers have come to rely upon the quality, performance, availability and cost savings of PMA and TSOA parts.  Our customers include Major Airlines and FAA Repair Stations.  If you have any doubts or reservations, please check with your Quality Control Manager and F.A.A.-P.M.I. (Principle Maintenance Inspector).

Q6: What if my Quality Manager has any more questions?

A6: We’ll be happy to answer them to the best of our ability.  Please contact us on one of the links provided.

Q7:  How do I know if you’re supplying a PMA or TSOA part?

A7: At AirGroup America, Inc. our policy is to always make sure we tell you when we quote you the part, before you buy it.  Look on our quotes for “Quoting: (Alternate Part Number)” This is one indication that we will provide an PMA or TSOA part. We also provide a verbal or written statement with the quotation.

Q8:  How can I identify a PMA or TSOA part when I receive it?

A8: Great Question!  Both PMA & TSOA parts have FAA specific prescribed requirements. (see Q9 & Q10)

Q9: What are the labeling and packaging requirements for a PMA part?

A9: A PMA part must be marked with the letters FAA-PMA on the part itself and/or the packaging. (an exception exists concerning marking the part if it is too small or otherwise impractical.  In such a case it may be tagged or labeled in such a manner that is acceptable to the administrator (FAA). The installation eligibility must also accompany the part.

In addition, a PMA part must also be supported by a PMA supplement letter which shows what it replaces and it’s installation eligibility.

Q10: What are the labeling and packaging requirements for a TSOA part?

A10: A TSOA part must be marked with the applicable TSOA reference number on the part itself and/or the packaging. For example, certain bearings are covered by TSO-C149, and that will appear on the package label. Another requirement for a TSOA part is a statement on the manufacturer’s packing list which (in part) states that the part meets only minimum performance standards.

Q11: What if a supplier represents a part as being FAA-PMA or TSOA approved and they do not have the markings mentioned above?

A11: Sadly, some suppliers do misrepresent their stock.  Some suppliers have been stuck with merchandise that is no longer considered airworthy. Some suppliers may quote you a part as FAA-PMA, but when you receive it you find it doesn’t have the proper marking or paperwork. Or Sometimes they will even stamp their paper-work FAA-PMA but the parts are not properly labeled or marked. We have even heard of cases where a copy of a PMA supplement letter
was provided with “Pre-PMA” parts. Presumably the rational being that if it’s the same part number before the PMA was issued the PMA supplement should still apply...wrong!

Q12: What should I do if I receive improperly marked or Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPS)?

A12: Know your vendors!  If it’s an isolated occurrence it might just have been an excusable error.  Thoroughly investigate and question them, request an answer in writing such as a cause and corrective action report.  If the problem is recurring, contact your FAA-PMI or call the FAA SUPS Hotline to report it.

Q13: What is a “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” part?

A13: Prior to a October 31, 1999 deadline, the F.A.A. had a transition program to help suppliers to a PAH (Production Approval Holder) continue to produce parts while pursuing FAA-PMA. The suppliers (manufacturers) were obliged to provide the F.A.A. with the part numbers and descriptions of the parts under a “fast-track” program.

The suppliers were then permitted to provide a statement on their packing list indicating they were pursuing PMA on those parts while they continued to produce them up until that deadline. In addition, most supplier/manufacturers also issued a “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” letter for each part number.

Q14: Can I still use “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” parts?

A14: That’s up to your Quality Control Manager and F.A.A.-P.M.I. Some customers might still feel comfortable still buying “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” parts that were manufactured before the October 31, 1999 deadline, as long as the packing list statement and “Pre-PMA” or “PMA applied-for” letter are provided.

Q15: Explain what the MS # actually is please

A15: According to FAA definition, a standard part is defined as AN, MS or NAS specifications.  It is important to understand that these are Standards, not part numbers. Part numbers made to a Standard meet the Specifications of the applicable standard.  Typically each bearing manufacturer is qualified (QPL) to produce the parts and appears on a QPL Listing. A Manufacturer that produces a part to a Mil Spec will provide their own part number that conforms to the respective AN, MS or NAS number.

Q16:  Can you provide paperwork showing that is an approved alternate to the MS part #? 

A16: It is important to understand that when you order a MS “part number,” you are in fact ordering a Mil Spec (or Military Standard). In every case, you will receive the part number of the QPL manufacturer that corresponds to the respective Mil Spec.

Published interchanges are readily available to support the interchanges.

Q17:  Are Boeing “BAC” specifications considered Standard Parts? 

A17: Not by FAA definition. Only AN, MS, or NAS parts currently are defined as Standard Parts.

Q18:  Do Boeing parts need a PMA to be sold in the aftermarket? 

A18: If the supplier to Boeing is selling to anyone other than Boeing then a PMA is required.  Boeing is the PAH, TC Holder or STC holder (Production Approval Holder, Type Certificate Holder, or Supplemental Type Certificate Holder, as defined by the CFR’s). If a part is not PMA or TSOA approved, the part must first go through Boeing’s Quality program to be deemed as airworthy.

Q19: Can I buy alternate parts that meet the Boeing Spec?

A19: Unless the parts are covered by PMA, TSOA, or other means of FAA approval, the only customer that should buy alternate parts that are represented as meeting the Boeing Specifications are actual suppliers to Boeing.

Q20: Can I buy alternate parts if they appear in the component IPC or overhaul manual?

A20: Not unless the part is covered by a PMA or TSO approval. The interchange information contained in an IPC or Overhaul Manual is not considered by the FAA to be “approved data.” Just because the component manufacturer chooses to include optional information in their manual does not mean that it automatically conveys airworthiness.  The burden of installation of such a part is on the installer. We strongly recommend that any FAA Repair Station purchasing and installing parts that are listed in their manuals as alternates be sure to check with their PMI (FAA Principle Maintenance Inspector) and obtain written authorization. (Your next PMI might not agree and want to know the basis of your actions.)

Q21: Can you provide PMA parts that are OEM proprietary?

A21: Yes! We do not use Identicality to obtain PMA on OEM proprietary parts. We use another FAA approved method, call Test & Analysis or Test & Computations; which is sometimes referred to as reverse engineering.