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How to Source Certified Aircraft Parts: A Buyer’s Checklist

In aviation, safety is non-negotiable. Every takeoff, every landing, and every maintenance operation hinges on the reliability of thousands of components working in harmony. Behind this intricate system lies a critical truth: using only certified aircraft parts is essential to ensure flight safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Yet, sourcing these parts isn’t always straightforward. The market is vast and often complex, with varying degrees of quality, traceability, and legitimacy. For buyers, procurement managers, and MRO professionals, the challenge lies in knowing what to look for and whom to trust.

At Team Aviation India Pvt. Ltd., we’ve spent over a decade building a reputation as a trusted aviation parts distributor—representing globally recognized OEMs such as ExxonMobil, Goodyear, PPG Aerospace, 3M, Cee-Bee, Armite, and Eurochem. Our mission is simple: to ensure that every component you purchase is certified, traceable, and ready to perform.

This buyer’s checklist will walk you through the essential steps to source certified aircraft parts the right way.

1. Verify Regulatory Compliance

Certified aircraft parts must comply with aviation authorities such as FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India).

What to Look For:

  • Airworthiness tags: Such as FAA Form 8130-3, EASA Form 1, or equivalent CoC (Certificate of Conformance).

  • Approved part status: Ensure the part is classified as PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval), TSO (Technical Standard Order), or OEM-certified.

  • Traceability documents: Paper trails that verify the origin and compliance history of the part.

Why It Matters:

Lack of certification not only voids insurance coverage and warranties but can also lead to regulatory penalties and grounding of aircraft.

2. Buy from Authorized Distributors

A major safeguard in sourcing is purchasing from OEM-authorized distributors. These are companies vetted by manufacturers to stock and supply genuine, certified products.

Why It Matters:

Buying from unauthorized vendors—even if cheaper—risks acquiring counterfeit, expired, or non-airworthy parts. These can jeopardize flight safety, delay maintenance schedules, and tarnish reputations.

Example:

Team Aviation is an authorized distributor for:

  • ExxonMobil aviation oils and lubricants

  • Goodyear aircraft tyres

  • PPG Aerospace sealants and transparencies

  • 3M tapes and adhesives

  • Cee-Bee aerospace cleaners

  • Eurochem specialty cleaning products

  • Armite anti-seize and corrosion protection compounds

Our direct OEM partnerships ensure authenticity, traceability, and performance assurance.

3. Confirm Part Numbers and Applicability

Every aircraft part must match the correct part number for the intended make, model, and variant. Even small discrepancies in fit or spec can lead to mechanical issues or system failures.

Checklist:

  • Match part number with OEM manuals or IPCs (Illustrated Parts Catalogs).

  • Confirm aircraft compatibility (type, series, engine model, etc.).

  • Avoid using “equivalent” parts without clear OEM or regulatory approval.

Tip:

When in doubt, reach out to the distributor for technical validation. At Team Aviation, we routinely assist clients in verifying part applicability before purchase.

4. Inspect Packaging and Handling Protocols

How a part is packaged can be an early indicator of authenticity and care in handling.

What to Expect:

  • Tamper-evident seals on OEM boxes

  • Proper labeling with part number, batch number, manufacture/expiry date

  • Certificates included inside the package

  • Temperature-sensitive products (e.g., adhesives, sealants) shipped with cold chain logistics when necessary

Brand Example:

  • PPG Aerospace sealants are shipped with specific storage instructions and shelf-life tracking. Improper handling can degrade performance, so only trusted distributors maintain the required storage conditions.

At Team Aviation, we maintain controlled storage environments for temperature-sensitive products, ensuring full shelf-life and OEM warranties.

5. Evaluate the Supplier’s Track Record

Who you buy from is just as important as what you buy.

Questions to Ask:

  • How long has the supplier been in the aviation business?

  • Do they have references from airlines, MROs, or defense customers?

  • Are they known for fast response times and technical support?

  • Are they compliant with quality standards like AS9120, ISO 9001, or DGCA-approval?

Why It Matters:

Reliable suppliers ensure the right part, at the right time, with the right documentation. This minimizes AOG (Aircraft on Ground) risk and downtime.

Team Aviation, founded in 2007, is a trusted partner to commercial airlines, defense establishments, business aviation operators, and certified MROs across the Indian subcontinent.

6. Understand Warranty and Return Policies

Every certified part should come with a clear OEM warranty and a well-defined return policy in case of damage, mislabeling, or defect.

Buyer Checklist:

  • Confirm OEM-backed warranties (usually 6-24 months depending on the product)

  • Ask about return periods and restocking fees

  • Know the process for replacing defective items

  • Verify handling charges or shipping costs for returns

What We Offer:

At Team Aviation, we offer full traceability and warranty support on all OEM products. Our customer support team handles returns and replacements with minimal paperwork and rapid turnaround.

7. Audit Supply Chain Security

From manufacturing to storage to delivery, every step in the aerospace supply chain must follow stringent quality and safety controls.

What to Check:

  • Does your supplier have controlled warehouse facilities?

  • Are chemical products stored under the correct hazmat classifications?

  • Is inventory rotation (FIFO/LIFO) managed for shelf-life-based products?

  • Are items traceable by serial number, batch, or lot?

Team Aviation uses inventory control and quality tracking systems to ensure secure, compliant delivery every time.

8. Keep Track of Shelf Life for Consumables

Consumables like lubricants, sealants, adhesives, and cleaners have strict shelf life limits. Using expired products can lead to part failure, non-compliance, and costly rework.

Products to Watch:

  • ExxonMobil lubricants

  • 3M structural adhesives

  • PPG fuel tank sealants

  • Cee-Bee and Eurochem cleaning agents

  • Armite anti-seize pastes

Best Practices:

  • Always check manufacture and expiry dates before installation.

  • Maintain a usage log for high-turnover consumables.

  • Buy from suppliers that rotate stock based on expiry schedules.

At Team Aviation, we label every chemical and consumable with clear shelf-life information, ensuring MRO teams are never caught off-guard.

Conclusion: Partnering for Safety and Reliability

Sourcing certified aircraft parts isn’t just a matter of compliance—it’s a core pillar of aviation safety. Whether it’s a tyre from Goodyear, a sealant from PPG, or a cleaning chemical from Cee-Bee, your choice of supplier determines the reliability and performance of your fleet.

By following this buyer’s checklist, aviation professionals can avoid costly pitfalls, improve operational uptime, and ensure total airworthiness.

At Team Aviation India Pvt. Ltd., we make this process seamless. With a trusted portfolio of OEMs, DGCA-compliant operations, and over a decade of domain expertise, we’re not just a supplier—we’re your aviation logistics partner.

Ready to Source Certified Aircraft Parts?

📞 Contact us today for genuine, certified aviation parts, chemicals, tyres, and consumables.
📩 Email: contact@teamaviation.in
📞 Call: +91-011-48588800
🌐 Website: www.teamaviation.in

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