FAR 21.310 — PMA Inspections and Tests
FAR 21.310 explains FAA inspection and test rights for PMA applicants and holders, including supplier facilities and pre-inspection compliance requirements.
FAR 21.310 governs how the FAA inspects and tests articles produced under a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). While this rule mostly affects manufacturers rather than pilots directly, understanding it helps you appreciate how the parts on your aircraft are quality-controlled.
The regulation requires that:
- Every PMA applicant or holder must allow the FAA to inspect their quality system, facilities, technical data, and manufactured articles.
- The FAA may witness tests anywhere in the production chain — including at supplier facilities — to confirm compliance with the airworthiness subchapter.
- Before presenting any article to the FAA for inspection or test, the manufacturer must have already shown compliance with § 21.303(b)(2) through (4) (the design, production, and quality requirements).
- Once that compliance is shown, the manufacturer cannot modify the article before the FAA inspection or test takes place.
This ensures the FAA evaluates the exact article that the manufacturer certified — preserving the integrity of the approval process and, ultimately, the safety of the parts installed on certificated aircraft.
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?