Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) Considerations

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers key features within the IPC.

Introduction

The IPC can be considered as a primary ancillary reference document specific to aircraft type, published by manufacturers, which describes in comprehensive detail, along with illustrations and part numbers, every component on the aircraft.

Use and relationship with Aircraft Maintenance Manual

The IPC is an essential supplement for users of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) but does not have the equivalent approved status and must be used only as a supporting reference with the AMM as an authoritative reference in case of any differences.

The IPC is intended for use in identifying parts, and illustrating assembly relationships while the AMM should be used for the removal and installation of parts of the aircraft.

Many manufacturers offer this information digitally in an electronic parts catalogue (EPC). This can be locally installed software, or a centrally hosted web application. Usually, an EPC enables the user to virtually disassemble the product into its components to identify the required part(s)

» The IPC lists, describes, and illustrates assemblies and parts of the aircraft.
» It is intended for use in identifying parts, and in illustrating assembly relationships.
» The IPC is a companion document to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).

Note The Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) includes the illustration and identification of replacement parts and assemblies necessary for the maintenance of the specified aircraft model. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) however should always be referenced for the Removal and Installation of parts on the aircraft.

IPC Format

The document is divided into chapters according to the systems of the aircraft. Each chapter contains figures and tables with a description.

» The tables contain the part number, the name, and the quantity.
» Part number is the component identification number.

IPCs are typically prepared in accordance with the Air Transport Association 2200 Specification Format.

General Notes

» ATA Chapter 11 contains procurable placards.
» Country-designated placards are specified by foreign certification authorities and put into groups identified by an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identifier in the page footer.
» Placards identified by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) include: cockpit information, including instrument markings and any related limitations, aircraft operating limitations, power plant and auxiliary power unit instruments, flight control markings, fuel, oil, door and emergency exit information, limitations on storage compartments, loading, passenger cabin safety, and safety equipment operation.
» The information contained within the IPC is based on data available at the time of publication.
» Revision of the publication will take place periodically following changes introduced by:

o service letters,
o service bulletins,
o Other publication revisions,
o Reissues for any reason,
o ICA supplements, and
o Temporary Revisions which are issued through subscription services.

Note All such amendments become part of and are specifically incorporated within this publication.

» The IPC does not usually include inspection, maintenance, and parts requirements for Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) installations.

When an STC installation is incorporated on the airplane, an inspection is necessary in accordance with the inspection program published by the owner of the STC for the parts of the airplane for which the installation has an effect.

Next Steps

 Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) provide EASA compliant Regulatory & Vocational Training – please see the websites or email team@sassofia.com