FAR 21.303 — PMA Application
FAR 21.303 covers Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) application requirements: design data, test reports, inspections, and airworthiness compliance.
In Plain English
FAR 21.303 sets out what an applicant must submit and do to obtain a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) — FAA authorization to produce replacement or modification articles for installation on type-certificated products.
The application, filed in the form prescribed by the FAA, must include:
- The product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) on which the article will be installed.
- The name and address of each manufacturing facility producing the article.
- The design data, including drawings, specifications, dimensions, materials, and processes that define the article's configuration and structural strength.
- Test reports and computations showing the design meets the airworthiness requirements of subchapter C, applicable to the product it goes on (unless the design is identical to a type-certificated article).
- Evidence of any licensing agreement if the design was obtained that way.
- A statement of compliance certifying that airworthiness requirements have been met (when basing approval on test reports and computations).
The applicant must also perform all inspections and tests to verify compliance, that materials match the design, that the article conforms to its approved design, and that manufacturing processes follow the design.
Why it matters: PMA parts keep the fleet flying safely and affordably, and this rule ensures aftermarket parts meet the same airworthiness bar as original equipment.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 21.303§ 21.303 Application.
(a) The applicant for a PMA must apply in a form and manner prescribed by the FAA, and include the following:
(1) The identity of the product on which the article is to be installed.
(2) The name and address of the manufacturing facilities at which these articles are to be manufactured.
(3) The design of the article, which consists of—
(i) Drawings and specifications necessary to show the configuration of the article; and
(ii) Information on dimensions, materials, and processes necessary to define the structural strength of the article.
(4) Test reports and computations necessary to show that the design of the article meets the airworthiness requirements of this subchapter. The test reports and computations must be applicable to the product on which the article is to be installed, unless the applicant shows that the design of the article is identical to the design of a article that is covered under a type certificate. If the design of the article was obtained by a licensing agreement, the applicant must provide evidence of that agreement.
(5) An applicant for a PMA based on test reports and computations must provide a statement certifying that the applicant has complied with the airworthiness requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Each applicant for a PMA must make all inspections and tests necessary to determine—
(1) Compliance with the applicable airworthiness requirements;
(2) That materials conform to the specifications in the design;
(3) That the article conforms to its approved design; and
(4) That the manufacturing processes, construction, and assembly conform to those specified in the design.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is a PMA, and what must an applicant submit to obtain one?
A Parts Manufacturer Approval authorizes production of replacement or modification articles for installation on type-certificated products. Per FAR 21.303, the applicant must submit the product identity, manufacturing facility information, design data (drawings, specs, materials, processes), test reports and computations showing airworthiness compliance, and a statement of compliance.
Q2When does a PMA applicant need to provide evidence of a licensing agreement?
Under FAR 21.303(a)(4), if the design of the article was obtained through a licensing agreement with the type certificate holder, the applicant must provide evidence of that agreement as part of the PMA application.
Q3What inspections and tests must a PMA applicant perform?
Per FAR 21.303(b), the applicant must conduct all inspections and tests necessary to determine compliance with airworthiness requirements, that materials conform to the design specifications, that the article conforms to its approved design, and that manufacturing processes, construction, and assembly conform to the design.
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Related Sections in Part 21