When it comes to getting a quote for your aircraft part exchange or overhaul, it is important to know what you’re looking at and what is important to compare parts quotes.
Getting a quote will vary depending on what type of purchase and component you’re looking for. It’s important to understand that if you’re having issues with a part, you don’t have to get rid of it. You can send it in for service and get it overhauled.
In this article, we’re going to dive into how parts quotes work, as well as the two ways you can purchase aircraft parts.
Types of Aircraft Parts Quotes
There are generally three ways to purchase aircraft parts: outright, exchange, or you can send your part in for service.
Outright purchase
Replacement aircraft parts will be purchased outright at their full market value. With this option, you do not have to return a core.
Exchange
With an exchange, an existing part is exchanged for a replacement aircraft part.
You will order a replacement part and remove the existing part from the aircraft and return it for a core credit. You will be required to either pay the core charge upfront or sign an agreement that if you do not return your core the deposit will be invoiced. It is important to clarify if you are purchasing flat rate or standard rate. Flat rate exchange pricing removes the possibility of back bill as long as the core return is identical P/N and manufacturer with no physical damage. Exchanges sold as Standard Pricing are subject to back bill. If a Standard Pricing returned core requires replacement parts that are above and beyond standard repair/overhaul, you are responsible for the additional charges. Core return must be identical P/N and manufacturer with no physical damage.
Send Your Part in for Service
This option allows you to ship your defective part in for maintenance, which generally requires between 5-10 days of lead time.
Read more about how we quote complex overhaul jobs in our blog article, “What to Expect When You Send Your Aircraft Landing Gear in for Overhaul.”
All About Aircraft Part Numbers (and what they have to do with your quote)
Aircraft parts can have multiple part numbers assigned to the same part, so it is very important to verify all alternate numbers to make sure you are not charged for an incorrect item.
- Check the description of the part shown in the quote
- Request a photo of the part so you can compare it to the replacement part
Part Certification or Documentation
All aircraft parts should be accompanied by traceability and documentation. When ordering a new or overhauled part, confirm the part will be supplied with an 8130-3. This certification will be issued by the manufacturer or repair station and must include the following:
➡️ Aircraft part number
➡️ Part description
➡️ Part condition
➡️ Quantity
➡️ Name of who issued the certification
➡️ The date the certificate was produced
➡️ Time and cycles on the part
Part Conditions
Aircraft part condition abbreviations can be very confusing if you are not familiar. Here are conditions and their abbreviations:
New (NE) – a part that has no operating time or cycles and has not previously been installed on an aircraft. It retains its OEM certificate and all necessary trace information.
Factory New (FN) – a part that has gone from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to the end user. The part is new and has no operating time or cycles.
New Surplus (NS) – a part that is new and has no operating time or cycles. It does not have the original certification from the OEM, but may include a certification of conformance and trace documentation from the seller.
Overhaul (OH) – a part that has been refurbished in accordance with appropriate aviation standards, such as the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM).
Repaired (RE/REP) – a part that was previously broken or faulty and has been fixed in accordance with airworthiness standards.
Serviceable (SV) – a part has either been tested or visually inspected and deemed operable. Sometimes repaired parts are listed as serviceable.
As Removed (AR) – a part that is in the same condition as it was when removed from the aircraft. A part in AR condition may be operable, in need of repair, or is beyond economical repair (BER).
AAI Can Answer Any Questions Related to Maintenance Quotes
When you can’t find the parts you need, the problems multiply. You send in your plane for routine maintenance and expect to have it back in a week. But inspections turn up several parts that need to be replaced, which could take weeks or even months. What now?
The entire process of locating, ordering, and receiving certified aircraft accessories is a huge headache.
Uncertified, untested parts are all over the internet, but do you really want to risk your safety for convenience? Certified replacement parts can take a ridiculously long time to ship – sometimes months – and the cost can be absurdly high.
Unless you shop with AAI.
We’ll help you avoid the delays and headaches, and instead get certified, safe, and tested aircraft accessories so that you can fix your aircraft and get back to flying.
1. Call AAI
2. Get a quote
3. Fix your plane and fly