A Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), is an alternate replacement part approved by the FAA. PMA parts are used in maintenance for type-certificated aircraft and engines. Approval for PMAs are granted based on a combination of design, production, and installation in one single document. PMA has a long history dating back almost 60 years to World War 2. After the war, there was a big supply of surplus military aircrafts. During this time, most OEMs who manufactured aircraft parts and aviation hardware components during the war went back to their regular production of automobiles and appliances. This made securing aircraft parts difficult. To assist this growing market, the FAA introduced PMA regulations to assist in the availability of aircraft replacement parts. Read more >>

Boeing company just recently increased its already large investment in additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is becoming the future of manufacturing. 3D printing is a process in which materials are meshed together using a computer software and then printed creating a three-dimensional object. 3D printing is being used in many different fields to lower the cost of production and shorten lead times. Boeing is showing a huge interest in Morf3D, a 3D printing company with a focus in the metal-based engineering field. Morf3D has technology that has allowed them to create stronger and lighter aircraft components.  The company has a mission to provide innovative solutions to sustain eco-systems while solving complex design and manufacturing challenges that fully benefit today’s world. Morf3D has already created many products for Boeing which include aluminum and titanium components for helicopters and satellites. Read more >>

After uploading a picture this past March on Twitter, Boeing revealed the first Section 41 (Boeing’s internal designation for both the nose and forward fuselage) had entered their Everett factory’s 40-27 bay. The first 777-9 version of the 777X family line that enters fuselage assembly will be utilized to static ground testing. Inside the 40-27 bay, Section 41 will connect to both the center and aft fuselage sections. A new process will be used, which was first introduced almost 2 years ago on the 777-300ER and 777-200LR programs. Choosing not to load the assemblies into a rotating tool fixture, Boeing instead has chosen to pair the 777X by utilizing the fuselage automated upgrade build process, or FAUB. During this process, sections are placed into moveable cradles and paired together by robots for drilling and fastening. Read more >>

The Aerospace industry is a very competitive and large industry. This keeps manufacturers fighting to be on top by increasing productivity and constantly making improvements. Aircrafts are very intricate and are very reliable on products, especially fasteners which hold the planes together, to keep passengers safe always. A single aircraft has usually around 2 million fasteners, placed in small and cramped spaces. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to tighten these fasteners to the needed amount. That is where these custom fastener heads come in huge. They allow the manufacturer to tighten these fasteners in a simpler manner, which in turn creates a more efficient production allowing more aircrafts to be made with the highest level of reliability and safety. Read more >>

UTC Aerospace has specialized in landing gear for commercial, civil, and military organizations throughout the years. Providing repairs, overhaul maintance, spares, routable and lease inventory to military facilities that require aftermarket landing gear. Read more >>

Lufthansa Technik has seen a growing market in the Middle East for new and matured widebody engines. Currently Lufthansa does not have not have any engine capabilities in the Middle Eastern region. Owning a facility in Dubai but lacks engine repair resources with its focus in material repair and component supply. Read more >>

Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo E Motociclo (EICMA), Italy’s premiere motorcycle showcase that takes place every year in Milan, will be showcasing some of the newest motorcycle technology to hit the market. For instance, SKF will be launching their new sealing resolutions for motorcycles or other two-wheel vehicles. This new sealing resolution will allow for a smoother and more relaxed ride for the rider. Read more >>

Not only do fasteners need to meet certain requirements, but so do the fastener coatings. They must be environmentally safe. Environments requirements for fastener coatings include; ELV, REACH, and RoHS. ELV (End of Life Vehicle), REACH (EU Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), and RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Hazardous substances) all contribute to keeping the customers and environment safe. Read more >>