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Use FAA PMA aerospace parts for maintenance and repair
Airline operators and MRO organizations are navigating unprecedented challenges: surging passenger demand, long OEM lead times, limited fleet retirements and increasing cost pressures. These constraints heighten the risk of aircraft on ground (AOG) and reinforce the need for supply flexibility. Federal Aviation Administration Parts Manufacturer Approval (FAA PMA) parts are a proven, engineering‑validated solution for maintaining fleet readiness while controlling operational costs. As an FAA PMA holder, 3M provides certified, airworthy solutions that help modernize MRO strategies and improve fleet resilience across global operations.
An FAA PMA is a design and production approval from the FAA that authorizes a company to manufacture and sell aircraft modification or replacement parts and materials.
What are the benefits of FAA PMA parts?
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Cost reductionFAA PMA parts can help deliver significant material savings over OEM parts.
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Supply flexibilityFAA PMA parts can often be supplied faster and with better stock availability over OEM options.
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Improved performanceSuppliers of FAA PMA parts can often take advantage of new materials and processes not available when OEM parts were originally approved.
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Global acceptanceBilateral agreements in place with 50+ countries and their aviation authorities around the world.
FAA PMA parts undergo the same rigorous evaluation and certification process as OEM parts, including both design approval and approval of the manufacturing and quality systems.
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Meet Dennis Mick, a Structures FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER)
Have you heard about FAA PMA parts but still need additional guidance? Dennis Mick, a subject matter expert with 3M, is here to explain – and dispel any misconceptions about – FAA PMA parts, including:
- The FAA PMA approval process
- OEM vs. PMA airworthiness and safety
- Current and future 3M solutions
See how 3M solutions helped an airline achieve significant corrosion prevention performance and deliver enhanced operational efficiency.
3M FAA PMA solutions
3M is currently an FAA PMA approval holder for our surface protection family of products. We are working on earning approval for even more solutions, so check back soon.
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Corrosion prevention
Corrosion management is critical to fleet readiness. Protect the aircraft from degradation that can compromise safety, performance and lifecycle costs.
Featured products
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Help protect the metallic support structure from the effects of repeated exposure to fluids.
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Erosion protection
Damage to the aircraft paint coating could expose the underlying composite substrate, which may lead to delamination and significant repairs.
Frequently asked questions
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What is an FAA PMA?
An FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) is a design and production approval from the FAA that authorizes a company, like 3M, to manufacture and sell aircraft modification or replacement parts.
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Are FAA PMA parts airworthy and safe to use?
Yes. FAA PMA parts undergo the same rigorous evaluation and certification process as OEM parts, including both design approval and approval of the manufacturing and quality systems.
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Why is FAA PMA adoption increasing in the aerospace industry?
Growing passenger demand and constrained OEM production are causing operators to keep their aircraft in service longer. This situation is leading operators and MROs to seek alternatives that maintain safety while improving supply stability and cost efficiency.
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How widely accepted are FAA PMA components?
Industry surveys show strong adoption: nearly half of aftermarket executives mention increasing PMA usage in recent years, and 74% of airlines indicate global use of PMA parts across their fleets.
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What benefits do FAA PMA parts offer?
Key advantages of PMA parts include cost savings, improved availability, potential performance enhancements through newer materials and processes, and growing global acceptance through international bilateral agreements.
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Does an airline/operator require authorization by the OEM prior to installing an FAA PMA part?
No. As PMA parts are FAA Approved, no further technical approval by an airline is legally required. In fact, the FAA has stated that it finds the OEM practice of requiring aircraft owner/operators to only install OEM produced or authorized replacements or modification or replacement parts as unacceptable.
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Can FAA PMA parts be used even if they are not listed in the aircraft maintenance manual?
Yes. FAA PMA parts can be installed even if they are not referenced in an OEM maintenance manual if installed in accordance with the PMA manufacturer’s Instructions for Continued Airworthiness and Installation Maintenance Instructions.
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Can FAA PMA parts be used in countries outside of the United States?
Yes, in most cases. The FAA has bilateral agreements in place with most Airworthiness Authorities globally, representing over 50 countries, ensuring reciprocal acceptance of PMA parts.
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What FAA PMA solutions does 3M provide?
3M holds FAA PMA approvals for many surface protection products, including polyurethane protective tapes and boots, and corrosion protection films.
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How does 3M support long-term fleet readiness?
3M leverages its manufacturing quality, engineering expertise, and certified PMA technologies to help operators improve durability, reduce costs, and enhance maintenance efficiency.
FAA PMA electronic instruction files
Below are electronic, print-ready files for installation instructions and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) for all applicable 3M products with FAA PMA. Simply locate the applicable file(s) for the 3M FAA PMA product you wish to install, click and print. We will continually add to this repository as we update our existing solutions and bring new FAA PMA-approved products to market.
Installation, maintenance and removal instructions
