It's shocking how many companies have different definitions for aircraft part conditions. From FN, NE, NS to RP, AR...oh my!
Right now, at this moment, I'm giving you the all time, go to resource for three commonly used conditions for NEW components.
Factory New (FN)
Skylink-Factory-New-Aircraft-Part
According to the ATA Spec 106 “Sources and Approved Parts Qualifications Guidelines” FN and NS (more to come on this) have no regulatory definition.
Generally speaking, FN is commonly used directly from the Original Equipment Manufacture. It hasn't passed through many hands to get to the end user.
A standard industry practice is that if it's more than 2 years old, it's no longer FN.
[Tweet "A standard #aviation component practice is if it's more than 2 years old, it's no longer FN"]
At Skylink we tend to think of it in terms of 6 months to a year. For certain components, 2 years on any shelf is way too long.
For FN items, they'll always come with a manufacture's material cert.
Here's an example of the FN supply chain cycle:
FN part (OEM) > End User
New (NE)
Skylink-New-Aircraft-Part
New is a regulatory definition for "...a product, assembly, accessory, component, part or material produced on conformity with approved data that is accompanied by a manufacturer’s material certification at the time of sale, and has no operating time or cycles."
With NE items, the manufacture date can vary. If you need a DOM, it's best to ask when given NE conditions.
New Part > Sold to a Distributor > Sold to another Distributor > The part is still represented as New
New Surplus (NS)
Skylink-New-Surplus-Aircraft-Part
New surplus parts can vary from how many people who have had it in there stock to how old they are. There's no definitive guideline.
Typically they're the least costly condition but again, this condition isn't a regulatory definition. NS is great for obsolete items and is a great way to service aging aircraft.
The few guidelines for NS components are:
- The part is new and has no operating time or cycles
- The owner was someone who had the potential to use the part; to install it, such as an aircraft or engine manufacturer, airline, repair station, or military operator.
New Part > Sold to an Airline > Sold to a Distributor > The Part is now represented to the market as New Surplus (NS)
These three classifications are used often. Save this link and refer back to it often. ;)