Given the numerous strict standards set by global authorities for what constitutes airworthiness, aviation buyers rightfully look at potential replacement parts with scrutiny. Outside of more general requirements, an aircraft’s continued airworthiness might be contingent upon the installation of approved parts either specified in the type design or those officially verified as functional equivalents. These two choices are respectively known as “OEM” and “PMA” parts. In this blog, we will lay out the differences between OEM and PMA aircraft parts and see if one holds a definitive advantage over the other for aircraft maintenance needs.