Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) is a process by which a product that was not originally designed into an aircraft can be certified by the FAA as a flightworthy replacement component. There are three avenues to follow in order to obtain a PMA: Identical Product, Identical by Licensure or Test & Computation.
Carter offers a comprehensive service, through reverse engineering and material analysis, which ensures the original bearing specification is accurately determined. Our team of world-class Engineers will then present a detailed manufacturer’s drawing to our customer for review and acceptance. This package includes the cost of a sample run and the volume production cost and delivery times. Quality is paramount so rigorous standards are met to meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s performance.
Once agreed upon, the sample bearing run is initiated and supplied with an AS9102 Aerospace First Article Inspection Report. This sample run is used by our customers to obtain the PMA by the FAA.
Carter does not attempt to own the intellectual property of the bearing PMA but instead works through trust and mutually beneficial negotiation to establish long-term partnerships.