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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

AC 21.303-4 - Application for Parts Manufacturer Approval Via Tests and Computations or Identicality

Document Information

Number
21.303-4
Title
Application for Parts Manufacturer Approval Via Tests and Computations or Identicality
Status
Active
Date issued
2014-03-21
Office of Primary Responsibility
AIR-110
Description

a. This advisory circular (AC) updates the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidance to applicants for parts manufacturer approval (PMA) of articles via tests and computations or identicality without a license agreement. This AC cites regulations in Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 21, Subpart K that became effective April 16, 2011. In addition, this AC provides a convenient application and compliance checklist, adds a certifying statement of compliance, provides guidance for assessing an article’s impact on safety and describes how the FAA approves replacement parts for technical standard order (TSO) articles. This AC does not apply to the articles that are listed in 14 CFR 21.9(a)(1) through (6).

b. This AC refers to parts and components as articles per 14 CFR 21.1. This section defines an article as a material, part, component, process or appliance. These items may include sealants, modified standard parts, brake assemblies, etc. that are in a product’s type design. Please note PMA is not for base materials, processes or inspection procedures.

c. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to comply with 14 CFR Part 21, Subpart K. If you chose to use any of these best practices, we expect you to follow it completely. Adherence to the guidance for each applicable facet will show that an article’s design complies with the airworthiness requirements of its eligible products. Also consult other ACs when you need guidance on product specific requirements for showing compliance. For example, AC 33-8 has guidance for Parts Manufacturer Approval of Turbine Engine and Auxiliary Power Unit Parts under Test and Computation.

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