PMA Issuance

FAR 21.311 — PMA Issuance

FAR 21.311 explains when the FAA issues a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), covering applicant compliance and design requirements for installed articles.

In Plain English

FAR 21.311 sets out when the FAA will actually issue a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA). A PMA is the FAA's authorization for a company to produce replacement or modification parts for installation on a type-certificated product (like an aircraft, engine, or propeller).

The FAA issues a PMA only after confirming two things:

The applicant meets all the requirements of Subpart K of Part 21 (the PMA subpart).
The design of the article complies with the requirements of Chapter I of Title 14 CFR that apply to the product the part will be installed on.

For pilots, this matters operationally because PMA parts are an alternative to OEM parts during maintenance. When you see a PMA stamp on a replacement component, it means the FAA has verified both the manufacturer and the design — giving you confidence the part is airworthy and approved for installation on your aircraft.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 21.311

§ 21.311 Issuance. The FAA issues a PMA after finding that the applicant complies with the requirements of this subpart and the design complies with the requirements of this chapter applicable to the product on which the article is to be installed.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a PMA, and when does the FAA issue one?

A Parts Manufacturer Approval authorizes production of replacement or modification parts. Per FAR 21.311, the FAA issues a PMA after finding the applicant complies with the subpart's requirements and the design complies with the applicable rules for the product the part will be installed on.

Q2What two main findings must the FAA make before issuing a PMA?

Under FAR 21.311, the FAA must find that (1) the applicant complies with the requirements of the PMA subpart, and (2) the design complies with the requirements of the chapter applicable to the product on which the article will be installed.

Q3Why should a pilot care whether a replacement part has a PMA?

Because FAR 21.311 requires the FAA to verify both the manufacturer's compliance and the part's design before issuance, a PMA gives assurance the replacement article is approved for installation on the applicable product, supporting aircraft airworthiness.

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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