Get FinancingAAI On OEM vs. PMA Aircraft Parts
This post is courtesy of Aircraft Accessories International.
When it comes to aircraft parts and accessories, it can take a ridiculously long time to get the certified replacement parts you need – sometimes months. And tracking down parts can be stressful and frustrating. Not to mention, there are uncertified and untested parts all over the place, and it can be tempting to opt for an unsafe option if the price is low enough.
However, finding aircraft parts that are rigorously tested and go through effective quality control processes is crucial for your safety and the quality of your aircraft. So, OEM vs. PMA aircraft parts: what is the difference? In this article, we’re going to talk about what the difference is between OEM and PMA parts, as well as why there is a debate between the two. Additionally, we’ll explore our process when it comes to these parts.
What Is The Difference Between PMA & OEM Parts?
PMA, or “parts manufacturer approval,” is an aircraft part that has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be manufactured and sold. OEM, or “original equipment manufacturer” parts, are parts that are produced by the original manufacturer of an aircraft or its authorized suppliers.
So, what is the difference between the two? Check out this table for a comparison.
Are PMA Parts As Good As OEM Parts?
PMA parts often get a bad rap. People in the industry might say the quality isn’t as good or that PMA parts don’t go through the same quality check as OEM parts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a strong case to be made for PMA parts: they are less expensive, lead times aren’t as long as OEM parts, and there is no difference in safety between the two. Many people hesitate to use PMA parts because of safety concerns, but according to an article by Aviation Pros, “there isn’t an incident where a properly approved PMA part was deemed to be a casual factor.
So, long story short, there is no reason PMA parts shouldn’t be explored as an alternative to OEM parts.
Should I Choose PMA Or OEM Parts For My Aircraft?
Based on a lot of different factors, there really isn’t a difference between the two. Both PMA and OEM parts must undergo rigorous testing and meet standards requirements, so the only factors you should consider are what are important to you.
Things like price and lead times are important to take into account. OEM parts can be expensive, have long lead times, and are often unavailable. However, with PMA parts, your experience could be a lot more efficient and allow you to get the parts you need when you need them.
How AAI Operates When It Comes To PMA & OEM Parts
At AAI, we give customers the option to choose between PMA and OEM parts. During the overhaul of your accessory or landing gear, there are many parts that are required to be replaced during maintenance. In many circumstances, there are alternate PMA options available that save the customers thousands of dollars and months of downtime versus utilizing OEM parts. We are always exploring ways to provide better service for the customer, so if they accept the PMA option, we typically choose this over OEM.
Learn more about us and check out our certifications here.
AAI Can Help You With Your Aircraft Parts Needs
When you can’t find the parts you need, the problems multiply. You send in your plane for routine maintenance and expect to have it back in a week. But inspections turn up several parts that need to be replaced, which could take weeks or even months. What now?
The entire process of locating, ordering, and receiving certified aircraft accessories is a huge headache.
Uncertified, untested parts are all over the internet, but do you really want to risk your safety for convenience? Certified replacement parts can take a ridiculously long time to ship – sometimes months – and the cost can be absurdly high.
Unless you shop with AAI.
We’ll help you avoid the delays and headaches, and instead get certified, safe, and tested aircraft accessories so that you can fix your aircraft and get back to flying.
- Call AAI
- Get a quote
- Fix your plane and fly