PMA Manufacturing Facilities

FAR 21.309 — PMA Manufacturing Facilities

FAR 21.309 covers PMA manufacturing facility location, foreign facility approval, and required FAA notification when facilities change. Key points for pilots and applicants.

In Plain English

FAR 21.309 governs where a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) holder can build approved aviation parts and what happens when those facilities change. It has three core requirements:

Foreign facilities allowed: An applicant can get a PMA for a manufacturing facility located outside the United States, but only if the FAA determines there is no undue burden in administering the requirements of Title 49 U.S.C. and this subchapter.
Prior approval for relocation: The PMA holder must get FAA approval before changing the location of any manufacturing facility. You can't just pack up and move the production line.
Immediate written notice: The holder must immediately notify the FAA in writing of any facility change that could affect inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of the PMA article.

Why it matters: PMA parts go on certificated aircraft you fly. The FAA's ability to oversee those facilities — wherever they sit — is what keeps the parts traceable and airworthy.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 21.309

§ 21.309 Location of or change to manufacturing facilities. (a) An applicant may obtain a PMA for manufacturing facilities located outside of the United States if the FAA finds no undue burden in administering the applicable requirements of Title 49 U.S.C. and this subchapter. (b) The PMA holder must obtain FAA approval before making any changes to the location of any of its manufacturing facilities. (c) The PMA holder must immediately notify the FAA, in writing, of any change to the manufacturing facilities that may affect the inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of its PMA article.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Can a PMA holder manufacture parts at a facility outside the United States?

Yes. Under FAR 21.309(a), the FAA may issue a PMA for facilities located outside the U.S. provided the FAA finds no undue burden in administering Title 49 U.S.C. and the applicable subchapter.

Q2What must a PMA holder do before relocating a manufacturing facility?

Per FAR 21.309(b), the PMA holder must obtain FAA approval before making any change to the location of any of its manufacturing facilities.

Q3If a change at a manufacturing facility could affect the airworthiness of a PMA article, what is required?

FAR 21.309(c) requires the PMA holder to immediately notify the FAA in writing of any change that may affect the inspection, conformity, or airworthiness of the PMA article.

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§21.15 Type Certificate Application

FAA application form, aircraft drawings, and engine data

§21.17 Certification Basis

Applicable airworthiness, noise, and emission rules

§21.20 Compliance Showing

How applicants show compliance to the FAA

§21.31 Type Design

Drawings, specifications, dimensions, and limitations

§21.41 Type Certificate