To say that the national aerospace industry is vital in today’s modern world would be an understatement. By 2034, it is projected that the industry as a whole will be worth more than $791.78 billion. Because of this, having Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) for all aircraft filters is not just recommended – it is paramount for an airline’s safety and reliability.
Achieving an official United States PMA approval for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is no simple task. There is a large variety of regulations, approvals, and factors that go into this process. Understanding the factors that influence a manufacturer’s success can help streamline the process and provide safer, higher-quality products for the future of aviation.
Understanding the PMA Requirements for Aircraft Filters
What is PMA for aircraft filters? PMA is an FAA design and production approval certificate for manufacturing replacement parts for aircraft. What separates PMA from other approvals is that it is specifically designated for replacement parts, not repairs.
The FAA approval process for PMA parts is extremely rigorous and strives to ensure that all aircraft parts are airworthy and at an equal performance level as the OEM parts. Oftentimes, this includes approval steps, including:
- Design Approval
- Manufacturing Inspection Systems
- Material Strength Testing
- Destructive Tests
- Licensing Agreements
These testing measures ensure that PMA parts are equal competitors with their OEM counterparts, leading to increased safety within the aviation industry as a whole.
What Makes PMA Aircraft Filters Vital?
PMA aircraft filters are vital for the aviation industry for a large assortment of reasons. Not only do these standards help dictate the standards and regulations that make flying safer, but they also help diversify the supply of aircraft parts and help grow the industry as a whole. Often, PMA-certified manufacturers, such as Global Filtration, strive not only to reach but also to exceed OEM standards, leading to higher-quality, more efficient air filtration on planes.
PMA aircraft filters are also an integral part of cost savings, as PEM parts are typically 30-70% less expensive than OEM parts while still able to provide identical efficiency.
When it comes to PMA aircraft filters specifically, these parts are necessary for nearly every aspect of an aircraft, from the fuel to the fluid, and even the air that circulates the cabin. At Global Filtration, we are proud to only offer FAA-approved PMA parts. Aircraft filters themselves are arguably one of the most vital parts of any aircraft. The primary types of aircraft filters include:
- Cabin Air Filters
- Fuel Filters
- Hydraulic Filters
- Oil Filters
- Pneumatic Filters
Because all of these individual types of filters have highly unique and specified roles in aviation mechanics, having a stringent and dynamic set of regulations is crucial.
The Approval Process for PMA Certification
The approval process for PMA certification requires submitting a detailed, comprehensive application to the FAA. This typically must include highly specific engineering data, from the materials used to design drawings, and performance criteria. The manufacturer must also include test results, previous certifications, and records of past compliance with industry standards, along with the data.
From there, the product can move into the design approval step. During this step, the FAA critically investigates all aspects of the filter’s design. This ensures that every single component of the part meets industry standards. Oftentimes, this step is when parts are sent back to the manufacturers with any design concerns or clarifications that need to be addressed.
After any design flaws have been identified and corrected, the manufacturer must now seek approval for mass production of the approved parts. Throughout this portion of the process, the manufacturer must prove that every part they create perfectly matches the standard with no deviation. This also means that the FAA is able to subject the manufacturer to audits and inspections to ensure that all components are being manufactured accurately throughout the production cycle.
After receiving a PMA, the manufacturer must consistently monitor any issues or defects found in their products. This also includes closely tracking and documenting any issues or concerns that users find while using the PMA products in the field. By encouraging a heightened commitment to durability and high-performance, the FAA keeps PMA aircraft filters operating as equals to OEM parts.
The Vast Benefits of PMA Parts in the Aircraft Industry
PMA parts give airlines the unique ability to save millions of dollars in maintenance costs without sacrificing safety and dependability. At Global Filtration, every aircraft filter part we produce adheres to every detail of the rigorous FAA testing required to achieve complete PMA certification.
Cost Savings with PMA Parts
PMA parts are most often less expensive than OEM aircraft filters. This can not only diversify the market, but it can also help save airlines and maintenance suppliers a large amount of money in replacement costs, while keeping all passengers safe. Additionally, having more affordable, PMA-approved new parts as an option keeps airlines from relying on monotonous repairs that gradually become less effective over time.
Increased Competition and Sourcing
A healthy market and source of competition are vital for any bustling market like the aviation industry. By creating a more saturated market through the FAA approval process for PMA parts, there will be more aircraft filter options available for airlines. This not only leads to cost efficiency but also a more competitive edge that consistently pushes both PMA and OME part manufacturers to achieve better, more consistent, and more innovative products.
Superior Quality: Increased Safety Testing
The rigorous FAA approval process often reveals underlying safety faults or oversights. This contributes to better safety standards for both individual PMA aircraft filters and any part being tested. Being able to expose unknown issues or more efficient ways to approach manufacturing or troubleshooting can help create faster production and more durable filters.
Supply Chain Longevity
By increasing the number of manufacturers creating parts like PMA aircraft filters, the options are diversified. This makes it easier for airlines to source the products they need and have them installed as quickly as possible. Making a supply chain more robust helps it become more resilient to supply and demand disruptions that could slow or halt aircraft filter output.
Improved Innovation and Development
The PMA approval process creates a competitive edge for manufacturers to constantly strive toward improving designs. Over time, this has and will continue to lead toward longer lifespans, better performance, and fewer repairs. These not only benefit the manufacturer but also the aviation industry as a whole, leading to safer aircraft filters.
PMA Aircraft Filters: A New Horizon for Aviation Innovation
The journey to FAA approval for PMA aircraft filters is a long road. It takes meticulous attention to detail, long-term planning, and technological savvy to achieve success, along with a dedication to airline safety and consistency for consumers. These regulations and procedures help foster a sense of trust and safety toward the United States aviation industry.
By learning more about PMA aircraft filters and how they are certified by the FAA for use is vital for understanding the future of this massive industry. Additionally, it offers aircraft companies a cost-effective, innovative, and reliable option for their replacement needs. With PMA aircraft filters and other approved parts, the aviation industry will continue to skyrocket in dependability, innovation, and safety.