In industries where safety, performance, and reliability are critical, particularly in aviation, there is an ongoing debate about the use of PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) parts versus OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. Understanding the distinctions between PMA vs OEM aviation parts, benefits, and considerations between PMA and OEM components is crucial for businesses, maintenance organizations, and individual consumers alike.
Let’s dive deep into what separates PMA parts from OEM parts, why the choice matters, and how the industry views both options.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are produced by the original manufacturer of the equipment. For example, if you own a Boeing 737, OEM parts for that aircraft are those manufactured by Boeing or its officially contracted suppliers.
In aviation, OEM parts come with a certain prestige and guarantee. They are built to original design specifications, certified under the manufacturer’s processes, and delivered with the branding and assurance of the original producer. Because the OEM is responsible for the overall system performance, there’s a direct connection between the parts and the aircraft’s original certification.
The advantages of OEM Parts include guaranteed compatibility with the original system, a higher resale value for aircraft or machinery that use 100% OEM parts, widespread brand trust and a perception of quality, and often comprehensive warranty programs.
However, OEM parts can be significantly more expensive, offer limited customization options, and may have longer lead times due to supply chain issues.
What Are PMA Parts?
PMA stands for Parts Manufacturer Approval, a designation assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. It allows manufacturers other than the OEM to produce replacement parts that meet or exceed the quality and design of the original components.
PMA parts must undergo rigorous certification processes, including demonstrating the part’s design is equal to or better than the OEM part, showing the manufacturing processes meet strict FAA quality standards, and sometimes requiring detailed testing, such as destructive tests, to prove equivalency or superiority.
PMA manufacturers often reverse-engineer parts, innovate upon original designs, or produce parts under licensing agreements.
PMA Parts’ advantages include significant cost savings—often 30% to 70% less expensive than OEM parts—shorter lead times, potential innovations over original designs, and an overall increase in competition that helps lower industry-wide costs.
The disadvantages of PMA Parts primarily revolve around perception issues. Some operators unfamiliar with FAA certification rigor might perceive PMA parts as inferior. Additionally, resale value can be affected if buyers demand OEM-only components, and specific warranty programs may exclude PMA parts unless pre-approved.
PMA vs OEM: Key Differences
OEM parts are produced and certified by the original equipment manufacturer. They typically cost more but come with guaranteed compatibility and warranty support. The FAA independently approves PMA parts and generally are a more affordable alternative without compromising safety or performance. While OEM parts offer consistency with original systems, PMA parts often deliver added benefits such as design improvements, quicker availability, and significant cost savings. The decision between OEM and PMA typically comes down to a company’s maintenance strategy, budget constraints, and long-term asset management goals.
Where Are PMA Parts Commonly Used?
PMA parts are used in sectors where operational cost-efficiency is essential. Commercial aviation is a good example of airlines and maintenance organizations leveraging PMA parts to control maintenance expenses. General aviation aircraft owners also rely heavily on PMA parts to maintain affordability.
In military aviation, PMA parts often support non-critical applications or legacy aircraft systems where OEM parts are no longer in production. Beyond aviation, industries such as heavy machinery, marine, and rail increasingly use PMA equivalents to manage repair costs while maintaining system performance.
Why the PMA Market Grew
PMA market growth can be attributed to several important factors. Rising budget pressures in the aviation industry have fueled the demand for more affordable and reliable replacement parts. Consolidation of OEM manufacturers has caused parts shortages and extended lead times, both of which naturally advance the appeal of PMA alternatives. Thanks to the FAA’s rigorous certification process, operators can have complete confidence that PMA parts meet or exceed established safety standards. Technological advancements in reverse engineering and quality control also made it possible to replicate or improve original designs with great accuracy.
Today, the PMA market is robust and respected. Major airlines openly endorse the use of PMA parts as part of their operational cost control strategies.
Regulatory Oversight and Airworthiness
Some assume PMA parts are “unapproved parts,” but they are wrong. PMA certification is a legally recognized and highly regulated process under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 21 Subpart K).
To achieve PMA approval, manufacturers must submit detailed engineering data, demonstrate that their manufacturing processes meet FAA quality standards, and may be required to undergo extensive testing. Once approved, PMA parts are fully authorized for use in certified aircraft and must meet the same airworthiness standards as OEM parts.
Common Misconceptions About PMA Parts
One misconception is that PMA parts are of lower quality. In reality, many PMA parts exceed OEM quality because they incorporate improvements based on newer materials or modern engineering methods.
Another misconception is that using PMA parts automatically voids warranties. While some OEMs have attempted to discourage the use of PMA parts through warranty exclusions, regulatory agencies such as the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) safeguard operators’ rights to use PMA parts without compromising airworthiness.
A final misconception is that PMA parts are only used in small or less significant aircraft. The truth is that PMA parts are common in large commercial airliners and have demonstrated long-term reliability across many different aircraft types.
Choosing Between PMA and OEM
Choosing between PMA and OEM parts is a strategic decision that depends on an operator’s goals, budget, and risk tolerance.
If minimizing maintenance costs and maximizing uptime are key goals, PMA parts offer an excellent solution. If maintaining the original manufacturer’s warranty and maximizing resale value are more critical, OEM parts may be the preferred option.
Operational safety and regulatory compliance are equally achievable with both OEM and PMA parts when sourced responsibly. Both choices have valuable roles in the maintenance ecosystem.
Today, the aviation industry recognizes PMA parts not as a “second-tier” option but as an innovative, competitive alternative that drives down costs without compromising safety or quality.
The best approach is often a blended strategy, where each replacement decision is evaluated based on factors such as cost, urgency, and long-term goals.
Both PMA and OEM paths lead to safe, reliable operations—it simply depends on which makes the most sense for the needs of the aircraft, business, or mission at hand.