Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for news on aviation and aircraft parts websites

Start you search for news and trends at general aviation and parts dealer websites. Most will have a link to recent news articles and press releases. A great source of general industry news, often related to advances in parts, are reports issued by investment services. Use all to build an industry profile.

I recommend: Scan the news about avionics at Aviation Today. Your business will find news and trends about commercial aircraft parts as a well as military and general aviation topics. Send your team at Spec 2000. The portal for aircraft parts supplies contains news, trends, standards and specifications. Study the Market Research report for future trends.

Check for news and trends on commercial aircraft parts

The next layer of your business's research into the aircraft parts sector is information from leading aircraft parts suppliers and related industries. Information in press releases will give your company a sense of the health of the market and of upcoming opportunities.

I recommend: Register your firm with Airparts.com to access the latest news and trends in new and used aircraft parts. Encourage your team to scan the articles in the News Room at the International Air Parts website. You can learn recent news and trends and their impact on aircraft parts suppliers.

Don't overlook news from aircraft parts specialists

Your business can find news about Piper aircraft parts or Learjet spare parts at those companies' website. Better yet, gather the information from suppliers of those parts to get action items as well.

I recommend: Go to Avgroup for news of developments related to parts for avionics and turbine-powered aircraft. Search the archives at Jet Aviation for news and trends for that aircraft parts distributor and the industry in general. Visit Bombardier for information about Learjet aircraft parts accessories.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Making and supplying aircraft parts is an international business. Although much of the business is transacted in English, your company might need the services of a translator for negotiations and other key times.

Guide to Finding Aircraft Parts

Reliable aircraft spare parts suppliers are vital to keeping your business in the air

By Amy Jo Garner, Consultant

1. Consider working with a supplier who operates a 24-hour customer service desk
2. Make sure the supplier is reliable by checking references
3. Ask if the parts are new or used and if used parts include service tags
4. Find out the shipping options and return policies

Action Steps
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Find parts for small aircraft

Cessna spare parts and Piper aircraft parts are easily purchased over the Internet. In addition to new manufacturer parts and used parts, you can also find an assortment of aftermarket parts for your aircraft.

I recommend: Cessnaparts.com has been selling aircraft parts supplies online since 1999. Their search page allows you to find the part you need quickly and easily. Piperparts.com is right next door to the Piper manufacturing facility in Vero Beach, FL. You can place and pay for your order online.

Buy jet spare parts

Numerous suppliers provide Learjet spare parts and other commercial aircraft parts. Companies which purchased bulk quantities from the aircraft manufacturer when they quit producing or supporting a particular model often list these aircraft parts, especially for older models, in massive databases.

I recommend: Preferred Airparts purchases inventory of new aircraft parts. Search their database to see if they have what you need. R&S Parts Distribution provides 24-hour service for Learjet parts. Boeing parts can be ordered directly from the company, but you must set up an account with them. You can find parts for many types of jet aircraft through the Aircraft Parts Market.

Take your time sourcing aircraft engine parts

Every part on an airplane is important, but engine parts in particular need to be meet quality and safety standards. Only purchase FAA approved engine piece parts.

I recommend: Superior Air Parts sells piece parts for both Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines. In addition to Lycoming and Continental, Progressive Air Services is an authorized distributor for Kelly Aerospace, Autolite, Unison, Slick, Tempest and other engines.

Decide if aircraft used parts are acceptable

Purchase used or salvaged aircraft parts to make structural repairs or to replace mechanical parts. You should buy mechanical parts that come with serviceable or repair tags to ensure that the part is in working condition.

I recommend: Quality Aircraft Salvage stocks everything from propellers to wing parts. Fill out their online request form to find the part you need. L&M Aircraft Parts provides used and overhauled parts for Piper, Learjet, Beech and other aircraft. They also provide repair services.

Choose tires wisely

Only buy airplane tires from reputable dealers. A blowout on landing can lead to costly repairs. Keep in mind, not all tires sold as new were recently manufactured. Ask the seller for the date of manufacture or retread. FAA certified retreads are safe to use and can save you about 50% on the cost of the tire.

I recommend: Desser has been in business since 1920 and is a top supplier of aircraft tires. Search their inventory by brand or tire size. Skytreads.com is FAA and JAA certified to do retreads.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan ahead by considering the availability of replacement parts when purchasing an aircraft.
• •  If you need landing gear service beyond the capabilities of your in-house maintenance crew, ask the staff at the airfields you use for recommendations.

Action Steps
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Locate an aircraft part manufacturer online

Your business can find a great deal of information about aircraft aviation parts on the Internet. The industry as a whole maintains several search engines and databases, and most manufacturers and dealers have websites. Conduct an online search for preliminary information to start your firm's journey into the aircraft parts market.

I recommend: Start you search for information about aircraft parts supplies at Inventory Locator Service. It manages a database of aviation parts and suppliers. You can get a real sense of the scope of the market. Visit several company websites for specifics. Aerospacesuppliers.com is another source of suppliers. Note the information on Aerospace Quality System certification.

Identify key aircraft parts suppliers

Most dealers specialize in a specific type of plane or aircraft part, such as Piper aircraft parts or commercial aircraft parts. An aircraft parts distributor also might have large inventories of airplane spare parts. Instruct your firm to collect business information to learn about different segments of the industry.

I recommend: Leading aircraft parts distributor International Air Parts provides information about all aspects of the parts business. Encourage staff to visit the company website. Honeywell provides abundant information about many internal and external systems on airplanes.

Tap the jet spare parts sector

Jet engines and avionics differ significantly from those systems on propeller-driven planes. Learn about the sector from an aircraft part manufacturer or supplier that specializes in jet parts.

I recommend: Touching base with Jet Aviation will link your firm to information about all things related to jets. Scan its huge inventory of parts for clues about the jet spare parts industry. Ocean Air also carries parts from most jets in its large inventory. Add company information to your business intelligence.

Add knowledge about an aircraft parts distributor for smaller planes

There are more than 500,000 small plane pilots registered in the United States. Supplying parts for their planes is a major segment of the aircraft parts business. You'll note that many dealers carry reconditioned, certified used aircraft parts as cost-effective options.

I recommend: Don't let your company overlook businesses that supply parts for small planes. Go directly to Piper, the source for Piper aircraft parts, for information about its business. L&M Aircraft Parts carries Beechcraft, Piper and Learjet spare parts. It can provide information about the importance of certification and traceability for used aircraft parts.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The FAA and aerospace industry certify parts. Research their standards as part of your education about aircraft spare parts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Fuselage

An aircraft fuselage is the main part of the airplane. It is where the passengers sit and luggage is stored. Other major parts of the airplane attach to the fuselage.

I recommend: WiseGeek offers information about the fuselage of an aircraft.

Stabilizer

There are two types of stabilizers, horizontal and vertical, that make up the tail of the aircraft. These stabilizers work together to keep the aircraft on course. Without them, the aircraft would swing and move uncontrollably.

I recommend: Visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to learn more about stabilizers.

Tricycle gear

Tricycle gear is a type of landing gear for small aircraft. Unlike traditional landing gear, tricycle gear provides stability during taxiing and landing, even when the aircraft is away from traditional runways.

I recommend: Zenith Aircraft Company offers information about tricycle gear.

Pitot static system

A pitot static system is used to measure the altitude and speed of an aircraft. It works by measuring pressure changes that occur with speed and altitude changes.

I recommend: The ALLSTAR Network provides information and a diagram to help you understand pitot static systems.

Composite materials

Composite materials are lightweight materials replacing aluminum components common in older aircraft. These materials are rust resistant and help prevent corrosion.

I recommend: The University of Washington College of Engineering provides information on composite materials for aircraft.

Scrap versus salvageable

A scrap aircraft part is one deemed unsafe or unworthy for use in an aircraft. Salvageable aircraft parts are parts that aren't suitable for aircraft use in their current condition. However, the part would be useful once it is restored to its factory condition.

I recommend: The Federal Aviation Administration provides information on how to distinguish a scrap part from a salvageable part. The FAA also explains the penalties for knowingly classifying aircraft parts as salvageable when you should classify them as a scrap part.