New Rule Could Halt Parts Exportation

PMA manufacturers might have a harder time exporting their civilian aircraft parts due to a new International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR rule) issued by the State Department, according to the Modification and Replacement Parts Association. Parts designated as standard and/or integral equipment for civilian aircraft that were previously ITAR-exempt might now fall within the State Department’s jurisdiction if they were approved solely on a non-interference/provisions basis under an FAA type certificate. In other words, a civilian aircraft component approved under an STC/PMA combination based in part on a manufacturer’s “no-technical-objection letter” might not be considered standard and ITAR-exempt equipment. The new rule also says that any part not based on a “civil aviation industry specification [or] standard” is not standard equipment.