Concerning EASA European Parts Approval (EPA) - Is it the same as FAA PMA?

SofemaOnline takes a look at the facts concerning EPA

Introduction

FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) is a combined design & production approval which does not exist within the EASA system. All design is done by EASA Part 21 Subpart J & All Production (assuming there is approved design data) is done by EASA Part 21 G Organisation.

Note EASA Part 21 Subpart F is for cases (typically part of design development) where there is no production authorisation approval.

European Part Approval (EPA) refers to parts that are produced in accordance with approved design data which is not property of the type certificate holder, except for European Technical Standard Order (ETSO) parts. EPA marked parts should not be equated with PMA (Part Manufacturing Approval) marked parts under the FAA system, as these are two different concepts.

So to consider that EPA serves a different purpose. In fact, The EPA marking was introduced in 2004 essentially to clearly identify any "not original" Part. This means any Part or Appliance not designed by the TC or ETSO Approval Holder - This also serves as relevant continuing airworthiness information for both Maintenance Organisations and Accident or Incident investigators.

EPA is defined by Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 of 3 August 2012 laying down implementing rules for airworthiness and environmental certification of aircraft and related products, parts and appliances, as well as for the certification of design and production organisations.

Concerning Repairs

EPA marking applies to the newly designed and manufactured parts to be incorporated in the repair, but not the repair itself.

Note - Where repairs have an impact on interchangeability, identification of incorporated new Parts is very important, and Design Organisation (DO) Procedures should address this item. 

EASA Part 21 & EPA

This is a different process to introduce replacement parts and uses an EASA approved Part 21 DOA/POA manufacturer by means of an EASA Minor Modification.

Specific companies are approved by EASA to have either design approval, production approval or both.

This allows for the re-design of parts and can be used purely to provide an alternate source to the OEM or to also improve on product design thereby eliminating in-service issues.

It is a process that is more specific to certain ATA chapters and generally favors interior/galley/cabin components, CH 25.

Replacement parts through EASA Part 21 typically see 30%-60% savings when compared to the OEM part cost and can be introduced in a much shorter time frame. 

Maintenance Organisation Fabrication & EPA

A Part 145 approved organisation can only fabricate parts for its own use in accordance with approved design data (145.A.42(c)).

If that data comes from the Type Certificate holder; 21A.804(a)(3) would not be applicable and those parts will not need EPA marking.

If the data comes from a Supplemental Type Certificate holder, minor change approval holder or repair approval holder, the parts will have to be marked as prescribed in the applicable data which should include an EPA marking since 28/3/2004.

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