Suspected Unapproved Parts Compliance – A Key Component in ALARIS’s Overall Quality Assurance Program
Alaris is committed to full compliance with the US Federal Aviation Administration’s Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUP) program. This vital protection assures that no unauthorized or counterfeit parts are used in the repair and maintenance of aircraft. To this end, all Alaris Team Associates, our subsidiaries and our vendors, suppliers and business partners are actively involved in the parts verification and documentation process; they stand ready to reject and report any non-SUP compliant parts.
Understanding SUP
A suspected unapproved part is one for which there is a doubt about its approval status or origin. These parts could include those without proper documentation, parts that were not certified by recognized authorities, or those that have been modified without proper approval. The primary concern with SUPs is that they might not meet the stringent safety and quality standards required for aviation parts, potentially compromising the aircraft's performance and safety.
Regulatory Framework
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the use of aircraft parts through stringent guidelines detailed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), particularly Parts 21 and 45. These regulations mandate that all parts used in aircraft maintenance must be properly approved and documented. The FAA issues specific guidance for dealing with SUPs, including reporting procedures and compliance measures to ensure that parts meet the required standards.
Globally, similar standards are enforced by aviation authorities such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other national regulators. Internationally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides overarching guidelines to ensure that all member states adhere to high safety standards.
Compliance Components
To address SUP compliance, Alaris employs several measures:
Verification and Documentation: In the aerospace industry, maintaining a stringent verification and documentation process is essential, especially when it comes to Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPs). As an aviation parts distribution company, Alaris Aerospace plays a vital role in reviewing and verifying the history of every part we handle. Our commitment to compliance starts with ensuring that all documentation and part history are thoroughly reviewed and traceable back to the last regulated source, and in some cases, back to birth. This includes documenting the part's condition, identifying any potential issues—such as those arising from an incident—and, if applicable, detailing time-limited information like hours, cycles, and calendar restrictions. While the ultimate responsibility to approve parts for use on aircraft lies with the end user, it is Alaris’ responsibility to present an accurate and transparent set of documents. This documentation must best reflect the current understanding of the part’s condition. If new information emerges, we ensure the supporting documents are updated accordingly to maintain compliance. Alaris’ dedication to accurate record-keeping and comprehensive verification processes is crucial for upholding industry standards, ensuring traceability, and safeguarding the aviation supply chain.
Reporting Procedures: When a SUP is identified, it is reported to the relevant aviation authority (the FAA or other regulatory bodies). Reporting helps in tracking and managing the issue, preventing the use of unapproved parts in the future.
Training and Awareness: Alaris provides regular training for maintenance personnel, enabling them to recognize and handle SUPs effectively. Understanding the risks and compliance requirements helps in minimizing the chances of using unapproved parts.
Inspection and Audits: Alaris conducts regular audits to ensure that maintenance practices adhere to established standards, helping us identify potential issues related to SUPs and address them proactively.
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Suspected unapproved parts compliance is a vital component of aviation safety. Adhering to regulatory requirements, verifying part approvals, assuring the availability of origination documents and operating certificates, and implementing rigorous reporting and training procedures are essential for managing SUPs effectively. By maintaining vigilance and adherence to standards, Alaris is doing its part to ensure the safety, reliability, and integrity of aircraft operations.