Understanding the FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval Process
I.D. # C1324 Duration 2 Days





The requirements for producing an FAA approved replacement part can be daunting. Understanding the steps required in the FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) process can greatly streamline the approval life-cycle and reduce unnecessary costs and delays, thereby shortening the time and cost to market. This course is designed for those organizations and individuals interested in designing and manufacturing replacement parts for civil aviation aircraft.



This two-day course covers the crucial subjects and steps of the FAA-PMA approval process. The instructor will begin with an overview of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) organizational structure. The instructor will then guide participants through the roles and responsibilities of the PMA applicant, Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO), Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), and the Aircraft Evaluation Group (AEG) as outlined in FAA policies, guidelines, and requirements leading to FAA-PMA approvals. In addition, the instructor will present the necessary topics to be covered in all PMA engineering analyses including Approval by Identicality, Licensing Agreement, and Test and Computation. Throughout this course the instructor will combine classroom lecture with real-world examples to provide participants both a formal as well as practical learning experience.
Learning Objectives
By attending this seminar, you will be able to:

  • Understand the PMA process throughout the product life-cycle
  • Recognize the roles and responsibilities of the PMA applicant
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of the FAA and FAA Designees
  • Manage the PMA approval process with respect to schedules and time-lines
  • Identify the required content for an acceptable Engineering Design Analysis
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for engineering and manufacturing managers, design engineers, airworthiness and certification engineers, quality assurance inspectors and engineers, program managers, consultants, Federal Aviation Administration designated engineering and airworthiness representatives (DER and DAR) and other technical administrative personnel involved in FAA-PMA certification activities. The course will help both newcomers to civil aircraft parts certification as well as experienced attendees better understand the PMA certification process.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course. Experience in the civil aviation industry is recommended.
Seminar Content


DAY ONE

  • Introductions
  • The purpose of this Course
  • The FAA / Design & Production Approvals
  • The Purpose for FAA-PMA
    • Who Needs a PMA?
    • What are the Exceptions to PMA?
    • Quality System
    • PMA and Older Products
    • The Roles of the FAA and Applicant
    • Project Specific Certification Plans (PSCP)
  • What to Expect From Applicants
    • Who Gets Application Letter?
    • Content of Application Letter
    • Basis for Design Approval
    • Draft PMA Supplements
    • Applicant"s Data Package
    • Special Requirements for Test and Computation Applications
    • Identicality by Other Than Licensing Agreement
    • Part Marking Requirements
    • Use of Designees
    • Establishment of the Fabrication Inspection System (FIS)
    • Responsibilities of PMA Holders After Approval
    • Deviations



DAY TWO
  • Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) Responsibilities
    • General Responsibilities
    • Applicant Approaches
    • Review of Applicant"s Abilities
    • Coordination with Certificate Management ACO (CMACO)
    • Verification of Installation Eligibility
    • Service History Considerations
    • Life-Limited Parts
    • Special Considerations⿿Identicality Without a License Agreement
    • Special Considerations⿿Test and Computation
    • Evaluating the Drawing Package
    • Conformity Inspections
    • Design Approval
    • Revising the PMA Supplement
    • Non-Compliance
  • Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) Responsibilities
    • PMA Activities
  • Designated Engineering Representatives (DER) and Organization
    • Designation Authorization (ODA)
    • DER Roles in the PMA Process
    • Test and Computation
    • Identicality Provisions
    • Findings of Identicality
    • ODA Role in PMA
  • Engineering Analysis Tools
  • Material Analysis Tools
Instructor(s): George J. Ringger

Mr. Ringger is a member of the IAQG AS9120 Writing Team. He has over three decades of experience in the commercial aviation and US defense industries. His practice provides full- time services in QMS certifications, engineering design, structural analysis, material flammability performance, FAA production approvals, employee training, QMS and supply-chain auditing. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mr. Ringger teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in Mechanical/Structural Factors; Aerodynamics; Aviation Human Factors; Aviation System Safety Management; Aviation/Aero Industrial Safety Management; and Aviation Safety Program Management (SMS). Mr. Ringger has held executive positions in engineering and quality assurance for top defense and aviation manufacturers, FAA repair stations, and aftermarket distributors. His responsibilities included company-wide quality system training and acting as liaison in matters pertaining to compliance with all applicable ISO, AQMS, FAA, C.A.S.E., EASA, and International CAA regulations as well as air-carrier domestic and international regulatory issues. As a design engineer, he specialized in structural analysis, testing, and flammability performance of aircraft interior structures. Mr. Ringger holds a Masters of Aeronautical Science degree in Aerospace/Aviation Safety Systems, is a Board Licensed Professional Engineer in the field of Mechanical Engineering, and holds FAA-DER authorizations in both Aircraft Structures and Flammability. He holds certifications as both a FAA Manufacturing DAR (Airworthiness) and FAA Maintenance DAR (Export). In addition, he is Six-Sigma Black Belt (Phase I & II) Certified, and is a certified ISO 9001, AS9120, and AS9100 Internal Auditor. He holds various patents and applications, has authored numerous technical reports and presentations, and is a contract writer/speaker for various trade organizations.
Fees: $1299 SAE Members: $1169

 
CEU 1.3