PMA Organization

FAR 21.305 — PMA Organization

FAR 21.305 explains how a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) applicant must document its organization, assign responsibilities, and identify an accountable manager.

In Plain English

FAR 21.305 sets the organizational requirements for anyone applying for or holding a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). While this rule is aimed at manufacturers rather than pilots, understanding it helps you appreciate how the FAA ensures replacement and modification parts on your aircraft meet airworthiness standards.

A PMA applicant or holder must give the FAA a written document that:

Describes how the organization will ensure compliance with Subpart K (the PMA subpart).
Describes assigned responsibilities, delegated authorities, and how the quality function relates to management and other parts of the company.
Identifies an accountable manager.

The accountable manager is the key figure. They must:

Have authority over all production operations under Part 21.
Confirm that the procedures in the quality manual required by § 21.308 are in place.
Ensure the company satisfies the airworthiness requirements of Subchapter C.
Serve as the primary FAA contact.

Operationally, this is why PMA parts you encounter during maintenance carry traceable approvals — there's a defined organization and a single person accountable to the FAA.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 21.305

§ 21.305 Organization. (a) Each applicant for or holder of a PMA must provide the FAA with a document— (1) Describing how its organization will ensure compliance with the provisions of this subpart; (2) Describing assigned responsibilities, delegated authorities, and the functional relationship of those responsible for quality to management and other organizational components; and (3) Identifying an accountable manager. (b) The accountable manager specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be responsible within the applicant's or production approval holder's organization for, and have authority over, all production operations conducted under this part. The accountable manager must confirm that the procedures described in the quality manual required by § 21.308 are in place and that the production approval holder satisfies the requirements of the applicable regulations of subchapter C, Aircraft. The accountable manager must serve as the primary contact with the FAA. [Doc. No. FAA-2013-0933, Amdt. 21-98, 80 FR 59031, Oct. 1, 2015]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a PMA applicant required to provide to the FAA regarding its organization?

Per FAR 21.305, the applicant must provide a document describing how the organization will ensure compliance with the PMA subpart, assigned responsibilities and delegated authorities, the relationship of quality personnel to management, and the identity of an accountable manager.

Q2Who is the accountable manager and what are their responsibilities under FAR 21.305?

Under FAR 21.305(b), the accountable manager has authority over all production operations under Part 21, confirms that the quality manual procedures required by § 21.308 are in place, ensures compliance with Subchapter C airworthiness regulations, and serves as the primary contact with the FAA.

Q3How does FAR 21.305 connect to the quality system requirements for a PMA holder?

FAR 21.305 requires the accountable manager to confirm that the procedures described in the quality manual required by § 21.308 are in place, tying the organizational structure directly to the PMA holder's quality system.

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Related Sections in Part 21

§ 21.1

Certification Procedures

§ 21.101

Type Certificate Changes