What is PMA?
PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) is a combined design and production approval by the FAA of replacement parts for type-certificated aircraft, engines, and propellers. Although PMA has been around for many years, the growth of the industry did not begin until 1992. Today, airlines around the world rely on FAA – PMA parts in every area of the aircraft.
Is PMA Just as Safe as OEM?
Studies by the FAA and others on Airworthiness Directives (AD) have found that the number of AD’s appear to be overwhelmingly in favor of PMA’s versus over the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Therefore, there is no reason to believe that a PMA part is less safe or less effective than the OEM.
Is PMA Equal to, or Better than OEM?
PMA companies are heavily monitored by the FAA and go through the same approval process as the OEM. The FAA must approve both the design of parts as well as the manufacturing and quality systems. Which ensures the certification process for PMA is every bit as rigorous as the process required for OEMs.
At Vogt Aero, we are continually expanding our product line and are willing to take requests for new parts. We work diligently with the end user to understand the in-service issues and incorporate improvements to increase the reliability, maintainability, longevity on our parts over the OEM or those of other PMA companies. We also focus on efficiency to keep our operating expenses low; our goal is to provide our customers with the most reasonable price possible; saving our customers 30-50% off the OEM price and in some instances, we are able to exceed that goal.
Our FAA Designations
Designated Engineering Representative (DER)
DER’s are engineering and flight test designees responsible for finding that engineering data complies with the appropriate airworthiness standards.
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA)
A company with Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) may produce and sell FAA approved aircraft articles that are eligible for installation on FAA type certificated products.
Production Approval Holder (PAH)
Production Approval Holder (14 CFR 21.137) This means you have a PMA or other required designation such as TSO or PC.