FAR 21.307 — PMA Quality System
FAR 21.307 requires every PMA applicant or holder to establish a quality system meeting § 21.137. Quick study guide for pilots and aviation students.
FAR 21.307 sets the quality system requirement for anyone applying for or already holding a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). A PMA is FAA approval to produce replacement and modification parts for installation on type-certificated aircraft.
The rule itself is short: every PMA applicant or holder must establish a quality system that meets the requirements of § 21.137. In other words, FAR 21.307 doesn't spell out the quality system details on its own — it points you to § 21.137, which is the master quality system standard for production approval holders.
Why it matters operationally:
- It ensures PMA parts going onto certificated aircraft are built to a controlled, repeatable standard.
- As a pilot, when you see a PMA part in your logbook or on a component tag, you know the manufacturer was required to operate under an FAA-accepted quality system.
- It ties PMA production into the same quality framework used for TC and PC holders, giving the FAA consistent oversight of parts that end up in the airplane you fly.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?