AIA Launches Effort To Eliminate Counterfeit Parts

By Matt Thurber

August 27, 2008
Maintenance and Modifications

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has launched a counterfeit parts “integrated project team” to create standards for government and industry to reduce the risk of introducing counterfeit parts into the aviation system and “engage” the government to discuss enforcement policies to help prevent counterfeit parts distribution. The aerospace industry takes on “risks when acquiring parts and materials through distribution channels other than those franchised or authorized by the original manufacturer,” the AIA said, but this does not apply to FAA-approved PMA parts, even those not sanctioned by OEMs.

PMAs, by AIA’s definition of counterfeit parts, are not suspicious. On the distribution side, the AIA added, “We have not yet developed a consistent set of standards and inspection requirements that can flow throughout the supply chain to ensure consistent application and mitigation of the risk of using counterfeit parts.

Yet the Aviation Suppliers Association and the FAA have successfully managed the Voluntary Industry Distributor Accreditation Program (AC 00-56) since 1996, with more than 450 parts distributors, brokers and sellers now accredited. An AIA spokesman noted that the association's counterfeit efforts apply to the entire aerospace industry, not just civil aviation, and that “the door is open” if other associations would like to join the counterfeit parts effort.

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