The design approval phase of PMA certifies that a replacement or modification article complies with the airworthiness standards of eligible products (aircraft, engine, or propeller). The applicant shows this compliance through tests and computations unless the article is identical to the article design on a type-certificated product. Identicality means that an article is the same in all respects to an article design in a type-certificated product. Evidence of license agreement shows this identicality.

Authorization

No person may produce a modification or replacement article for sale for installation on a type-certificated product (an aircraft, engine, or propeller) unless this article is produced in accordance with a PMA issued by the FAA under 14 CFR part 21, Subpart K (sections 21.301 through 21.320).

Exceptions to PMA rules for producing modification and replacement articles

Example 1:

An aircraft owner or operator may produce articles for installation on their own product without a Parts Manufacturer Approval. The installation of those articles must comply with 14 CFR part 43. If an owner or operator intends to sell these articles for installation in another's product, then the producing owner or operator requires a Parts Manufacturer Approval.

Example 2:

An air carrier, operating under 14 CFR part 121 or part 135, may produce articles for installation on its own product without a Parts Manufacturer Approval, provided the installation of those articles is approved in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 43 and complies with the air carrier's accepted maintenance procedures manual and instructions. If the article is produced with the intent of selling it for installation on a product other than the owner's or operator's, then a Parts Manufacturer Approval would be required.

Example 3:

An article produced by a FAA certificated repair station with the intent of installing it on a type-certificated product that the repair station has in-house for repair. Such articles may not be offered for sale as separate items. See FAA Advisory Circular 43-18, Fabrication of Aircraft Parts by Maintenance Personnel.