As airlines continue to seek cost savings, the Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) market is expanding to offer more opportunities to buyers. Most of these parts are designed and produced using the Test and Computation method for substantiation. The combination of availability, reliability and affordability make the Test and Comp PMA a very attractive option to airlines around the globe.
AVAILABILITY: quick access and fast delivery
The PMA parts are normally in stock or available with very short lead times. Most companies keep their products on the shelf for critical or AOG needs. The planning of stock levels to support the airline needs is very important aspect for the PMA industry.
RELIABILITY: as good or better than the OEM part
The PMA part is fully approved by the FAA and the FAA requires the PMA part to be as good or better than the OEM part. The PMA part is approved and produced under the same certification standards as the OEM part.
To get a PMA approved the part design goes through the Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) for design approval meeting airworthiness standards and the Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) for production approval. Only when the PMA company has design approval and passes the MIDO inspection will the PMA Supplement be issued.
AFFORDABILITY: high quality at a reduced cost
The savings for PMA parts generally range from 25-50% off of the current OEM price to the airline. The OEM’s generally have yearly increases around 5% where the PMA companies have little to no increase.
To find the best PMA opportunities it is good to look at the highest spend items and work your way down the list. Usage info along with target prices help in the process of finding these PMA opportunities for the airlines and the PMA companies. It’s always helpful to follow this procedure in making the decision of which parts to target. Long lead time items are also good targets to consider for PMA.
The PMA industry will only continue to grow and offer many costs savings options across a broad spectrum of parts. Keep searching for opportunities to develop parts to increase the savings for your company.
