CAAC PMA policy
In China, the parts manufacturer approval sits within CCAR-21, the certification requirements for civil aviation products and articles. The approval covers design and production and includes a project list.
Where it sits in the regulation
CCAR-21 sets out the certification framework for civil aviation products and articles. The parts manufacturer approval is one of the approval types it provides for, alongside type certificates, production certificates and technical standard order approvals.
- CCAR-21 Chapter 9 — Parts manufacturer approvals
- CCAR-21 Chapter 12 — Placards and markings
What the approval document contains
The approval includes a project list describing the article: its name, model and part number, the manufacturer and part number it replaces, the applicable aircraft, engine or propeller, the design approval basis, and whether the article is classified as a critical part.
One restriction worth knowing
The approval is territory-bound in an important way. The CAAC does not issue a parts manufacturer approval to a manufacturer whose production facility is located outside China. A foreign manufacturer seeking to supply replacement articles into China therefore uses a different route, which is why the approval status of a part needs to be checked per part and per market rather than assumed from the supplier.
Release documentation
Articles released under the approval carry the applicable airworthiness approval tag, and placarding and marking follow Chapter 12 of the regulation.
Sources
- CAAC — CCAR-21, civil aviation products and articles certification
- Ministry of Transport — CCAR-21 text
References are provided for orientation. The applicable revision in force at the relevant date governs; confirm against the issuing authority's current publication before relying on any statement here.