Ultimate Guide to FAA PMA Certification

Welcome to Prime Propulsion’s resource on FAA PMA certification approval. Through many years, we’ve guided dozens of manufacturers through the Parts Manufacturer Approval process, turning regulatory complexity into clear, actionable steps. Whether you’re a seasoned DER, a quality manager, or a component engineer, this guide will walk you through the high level certification path—from FAA Part 21 Subpart K requirements to advanced test & computation strategies. Every PMA certification package must meet the minimum requirements but as the complexity of the PMA article increases so does the amount of data needed to substantiate the design.

Why PMA Matters

In today’s aviation market, aftermarket parts aren’t just a cost-savings play. They’re a strategic asset. Approved PMA parts deliver the same airworthiness standards as OEM offerings, while offering reduced lead times, cost-effective aviation parts, and alternative aircraft parts that keep your fleet flying with minimal downtime when the OEM may have stopped supporting parts.

Step-by-Step PMA Approval Roadmap (Based on 14 CFR §21.303 Checklist)

Follow these actionable steps—aligned with the FAA’s §21.303 application checklist—to prepare and submit your PMA application efficiently:

1. Define the Part & Installation and Eligibility

   
   

   • Identify the part number, name, and functional role.

   
   

   • Document installation location, interface drawings, and any system dependencies.

   
   

   • Prepare installation instructions, schematics, and statements of compliance. Installation Eligibility can be show through Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM), Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC), Service Bulletins, or etc.

2. Describe Your Facility

   
   

   • Provide manufacturing location and if will utilize suppliers or produce “in-house”.

   
   

   • Demonstrate capacity for special processes (e.g., NDT, welding, plating).

   
   

3. Assemble the Design Data Package

   
   

   • Drawings & Specifications: Submit detailed CAD drawings with revision history, BOMs, and material callouts, part marking scheme (14 CFR 45.15), and any special processes. Drawings shall be based on reverse engineering or OEM drawings.

   
   

   • Substantiation Data: Compile analyses (FEA/CFD), test plans, lab reports, and comparative data per AC 21.303-4. The level of data will vary from PMA article to article.

   
   

   • Compliance Matrix: Map each §21.303(a) requirement to corresponding documents and proposed DER findings. Propose your method of compliance: Analysis, Test, Review, or etc.

   
   

4. Establish Your Quality System

   
   

   • Present your Quality Manual excerpts demonstrating scope under FAR 21.137.

   
   

   • Provide procedures for inspection, calibration, nonconforming material handling, and record retention.

   
   

   • Ability to track parts to ensure any service difficulties are able to be tracked.

   
   

5. Engage DER & Pre-Submission Review

   
   

   • Share the preliminary package with your Designated Engineering Representative, we recommend finding and engaging DER first to guide your certification path.

   
   

   • Obtain DER findings of identicality or analytical adequacy.

   
   

   • Address DER comments and finalize your compliance matrix.

   
   

6. Manage FAA Clarifications

   
   

   • Track inquiries in a central log with owners and due dates.

   
   

   • Update your compliance matrix and re-submit only the revised documents.

   
   

1. Foundations of FAA PMA Approval

1.1 14 CFR §21.303 & AC 21.303-4: Your Roadmap

Under 14 CFR §21.303, you must provide:

• Part identity and installation data

• Facility descriptions and capabilities

• A complete design data package (drawings, specs, substantiation)

• Evidence of your quality system (FAR 21.137)

AC 21.303-4 then guides you through two compliance routes: the identicality PMA pathway, where you prove parity with existing OEM parts, and the PMA test and computations route, backed by reverse engineering techniques identified in the advisory circular.

1.2 FAA & Industry Product Certification Guide

The third edition of the FAA’s Product Certification Guide is your playbook for project planning. We rely on its PSCP template and template in 8110.42D to map out milestones, assign responsibilities, and streamline communication between your team and FAA project managers.

2. Decoding the PMA Procedures

2.1 Order 8110.42D: Our internal PMA Checklist

FAA Order 8110.42D standardizes the review process. We’ve distilled its checklists into a pre-submission audit that flags missing elements—everything from DER findings to test-report formats—so you won’t face unexpected review hurdles. This is critical to getting your part to market quicker.

2.2 Order 8110.4: DER Authority Explained

Your DER is your secret weapon. FAA Order 8110.4 outlines their scope—issuing identicality findings or validating complex analyses. We’ll show you how to engage our DERs effectively, reducing back-and-forth with the FAA.

3. Focused Guidance for Engine Parts

3.1 AC 33-8: Turbine Engine Components

When you’re certifying PMA engine components, AC 33-8 provides comparative-test standards and criticality classifications. Our sample test matrices and report templates align your data with FAA expectations. Every PMA part will not require testing, but we must be prepared substantiate why or why-not.

4. Benefits & Comparative Insights

• PMA vs OEM aircraft parts: Meet or exceed safety levels with 25–50% cost reduction.

• Reduced lead time aviation parts: Cut procurement cycles from weeks to days, PMA parts are typically maintained on the shelf by the supplier.

• Aircraft aftermarket parts: Expand your sourcing options and strengthen supply-chain security.

  
  

5. Building Your Data Package

1. Design Data & Drawings: Lock your CAD revisions, include full BOMs, and securing DER sign-off.

2. Engineering Analyses & Testing: Document load cases, pass/fail criteria, and lab accreditations, material and dimensional analysis. It is critical to understand the quantities needed to satisfy the minimum FAA requirements.

3. Quality System & Conformity Inspection: Understand why first-article inspection (FAI) or NACIP conformity is required.

4. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis: Provide a clear understanding of potential failure modes and how the failure could affect the next higher assembly and finally the aircraft or engine.

Contact us if your company requires assistance with the process, we look forward to being of assistance.