How to Verify a Genuine Aircraft Parts Supplier

The aviation industry runs on an expectation of upholding uncompromising safety and engineering standards, with authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) respectively setting regulatory frameworks across global regions in an effort to guarantee that no item enters service without verification. Even with numerous safeguards and the constant evolution of regulations, supply chains are unfortunately still at risk of being infiltrated by Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPs) and more sophisticated counterfeits that may fly under the radar until caught.

While the burden of confirming product quality might be seen as a role of maintenance and inspection teams, it is actually procurement professionals that act as the first line of defense with the initial responsibility to identify legitimate suppliers. From checking mandatory certifications during betting processes to looking out for smaller clues that may signal a vendor’s commitment to quality, there are many basic practices that can be employed to ensure suitable solutions are found. For those who are interested in learning the basics, this guide will outline the criteria buying teams are generally expected to look out for when choosing between aircraft parts suppliers or distributors.

If you are actively sourcing components, it is always recommended to browse aircraft parts inventory from verified distributors that maintain strict sourcing standards and transparent supply chains.

Certifications and Approvals

One of the most essential elements that defines a reputable aviation parts supplier or distributor is having a strong dedication to rigorous industry standards, establishing confidence that they possess the necessary infrastructure and safeguards to consistently provide customers with quality-assured products. As you begin to vet potential sources in an effort to narrow down a suitable fit, notable certifications and accreditations to look out for generally include:

• AS9120 and AS9100 Certifications: Based on the ISO 9001 framework, AS9120 certification is regularly sought by aerospace distributors and covers requirements for chain of custody, airworthiness documentation control, and the prevention of counterfeit items entering supply chains. Meanwhile, AS9100 certification leans more toward assembly operations, covering various mandates for manufacturing and design.
• FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 00-56B Accreditation: Meeting AC 00-56B accreditation standards is voluntary for suppliers and vendors, yet it is strongly endorsed by the FAA and indicates that the entity has successfully undergone a third-party audit to prove they have systems in place for parts traceability, proper employee training, and the segregation of non-conforming materials.
• AS6081 Certification: This standard is specifically set to help suppliers of aviation parts avoid fraudulent electronics entering their supply, laying out clear inspection and test protocols that can be followed to avoid risk. This often includes X-ray analysis, decapsulation, and heated solvent testing, all of which make confirming that products meet manufacturer specifications simple.

While having clear indication of accreditation and certification is definitely an indicator of trustworthiness, claims made through digital badges or word of mouth should never be taken at face value when a supplier is not familiar. A procurement source should have no issue showing copies of their certificates upon request, though users can also independently search if they have valid or active status using the IAQG Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) database or the Aviation Suppliers Association’s (ASA) public registry.

Supplied Documentation

Moving on from verifying the standing of any source, it then becomes crucial to review the quality and legitimacy of one’s supply. Even a completely authentic part is only considered airworthy if it is accompanied by proper certification and chain-of-custody paperwork, making it absolutely vital to confirm that any necessary records are supplied with purchases or upon request. For buyers, some of the most important documentation to look out for will include:

• Authorized Release Certificates: Any items that post a risk of jeopardizing aircraft structural integrity or functionality when failure occurs will need to be paired with an FAA Form 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tag or the European Union’s equivalent EASA Form 1. This is because such documents serve to certify that any particular item was manufactured or maintained according to approved design data and is in a condition for safe operation.
• Certificates of Conformance (CoC): For fasteners, seals, brackets, and other standard hardware options that may not come with a formal airworthiness release, securing a CoC from the manufacturer is recommended to ensure that any part addresses recognized industry specifications.
• Comprehensive Traceability Records: It is a major red flag if a distributor or aircraft spare parts supplier cannot provide verified history for the storage and handling of any item, as procurement confidence is heavily based in clarity for traceability and changes in chain of custody. For any used or overhauled component, it is generally expected that your chosen purchasing partner should be able to provide records for all previous owners, repairs, and uses. 

Other Signs and Services to Look Out For

Certifications and the strength of documentation are often the foremost concerns in vetting processes, yet buyers can still benefit from reviewing potential suppliers or distributors for other various services or policies that impact reliability. While exact concerns may vary based on the individual goals or needs of an organization, general elements that can drive reliability in a sourcing partner will include:

• Clear Return, Warranty, and Liability Policies: Established suppliers will generally define their terms of service in detail, including information on return eligibility and warranty coverage for purchases. If this information is not made clear or is unavailable upon request, you could face the risk of having no recourse if a component fails testing or inspection protocols.
• Pricing Discrepancies: While aiming to secure parts for the most competitive pricing is a standard practice, supplied quotes that are significantly lower than the market average should be taken with a grain of salt. For example, a high-demand OEM aircraft components being presented at a price point that seems too good to be true could potentially indicate products that are counterfeit or are in poor condition.
• Responsiveness and Technical Expertise: If a vendor is evasive about technical specifications or unable to consult on sourcing solutions, it can suggest a lack of professional depth or care to understand the nuances of the products they sell. With employees that are not adequately trained, there is also a far greater risk that noncompliant parts will be sent out. As such, careful vetting remains a must.

Choose Aero Parts Distributor for Top-Notch Procurement

As we have illustrated in this blog, carefully considering the various factors that define a trustworthy supplier or distributor is often a must to ensure confidence and peace of mind during procurement. If you are currently seeking out a purchasing platform you can fully trust for aviation-grade hardware, electronics, and mechanical solutions, consider Aero Parts Distributor. 

Owned and operated by leading aircraft parts distributor ASAP Semiconductor, Aero Parts Distributor is a website dedicated to providing professionals access to a wealth of authentic products that are available for purchase with competitive pricing and rapid delivery. Furthermore, our offerings all come from manufacturers and suppliers who are carefully assessed prior to us stocking supply, our guarantee being that all purchases ship with full documentation to prove origin and certification. If you are interested in learning more about our quality-assurance practices and how we can serve your unique requirements, get in touch with our expert team at your convenience!