FAA Listens to Industry; Working to Fix the PMA Database (and Providing Temporary Solutions as Well)

Recently we noted that the FAA has posted the new Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS). The DRS is an online library of FAA databases and FAA information, including the list of FAA-PMAs. We noted some issues concerning the way that people access the information in the PMA database and the FAA has been proactively trying to address those concerns.

Some of these solutions will require new programming on the website. Programming takes time, so while the FAA is developing solutions they have also made available a temporary solution. The FAA Operational Safety Branch (AIR-720) has posted the last updated PMA database zip file for the industry to download. To find it, go to the Airworthiness Directives page in the old Regulatory and Guidance Library (RGL) and look at the bottom of the page (make sure you are looking at the bottom of the text – it is easy to miss). You will find a link to the PMA ZIP file. That link currently leads to the PMA Database Zip File. That ‘zipped’ database file is not being updated so it will be “static” in that it is limited to information tat had been uploaded as of January 7, 2021. This is a temporary solution in order to support the industry while other solutions are being developed.

Downloading PMA Records from the DRS System

The FAA also provided a short guide how to download some records out of the new DRS system. The good news is that you can download a spreadsheet of PMAs that match certain criteria.

The bad news is that this ability to output the search results is limited to not more than 1000 lines from the database, so you have to narrow your search criteria. This can put a real limit on the ability for users to identify PMA parts that they want. For example, someone who wanted a list of PMA parts eligible for installation on a fleet of 737 aircraft would find that there are over 200,000 line items in the database for 737s.

Interestingly, if you further refine that search by adding “Boeing” to the Make-field then you lose about a 1000 records (likely due to variant spelling of “boeing,” and records that identified 737 as the model without specifying “Boeing”). This highlights the inconsistencies in the database but it also highlights the fact that a 1000 record limit can be quite limiting for air carriers who are researching options for their fleets.

New Committee to Identify Concerns and Support Remedies

David Beal from Sheffield Aerospace has been working on this issue for the community and he has agreed to chair a committee that will examine the new PMA database as it continues to develop and provide feedback to the FAA about how to make the information best suit the safety and research needs of the industry.

ACTON ITEM: If you would like to be part of MARPA’s FAA-PMA Database Feedback Committee then please contact Katt Brigham from MARPA. You can also contact the Chair, David Beal, directly.