In the aviation industry, understanding the condition of aircraft parts is critical for safety, compliance, and cost efficiency. Aircraft parts are classified based on their history, usability, and certification. Whether you are an airline, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul provider), or a supplier, knowing these classifications helps in procurement, maintenance planning, and regulatory compliance.
Below is a comprehensive guide to aircraft part conditions, their abbreviations, and associated documentation.
These parts have never been installed or used and are in their original condition.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
NE (New) |
Factory-new part |
Never used, comes with full manufacturer certification and original packaging. |
|
NS (New Surplus) |
Excess inventory |
Unused but stored for a long time; may lack full factory warranty. |
|
FN (Factory New) |
Direct from OEM |
Fresh from the manufacturer, never owned or installed. |
An airline purchasing a new avionics system from the OEM receives an NE part with full traceability.
These parts have been removed from aircraft and may require servicing.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
OH (Overhauled) |
Like-new condition |
Fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired, and tested to OEM standards. |
|
SV (Serviceable) |
Functional |
Tested and found operational without requiring an overhaul. |
|
INS (Inspected) |
Visually checked |
Examined but not necessarily refurbished. |
|
RP (Repaired) |
Restored to function |
Fixed and tested but not completely overhauled. |
An OH aircraft engine is one that has been overhauled by an FAA-certified MRO before reinstallation.
These parts have never been installed or used and are in their original condition.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
AR (As Removed) |
Condition unknown |
Taken off an aircraft with no immediate testing or certification. |
|
CR (Core Return) |
Defective or worn |
Sent back for credit or refurbishment. |
|
US (Used) |
Previously installed |
Operational history but may require testing. |
A landing gear assembly removed after reaching its time limit is categorized as AR.
Parts in this category are either unrepairable or too costly to fix.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
BER (Beyond Economical Repair) |
Repair cost exceeds value |
Not worth repairing, typically sold for scrap. |
|
SCR (Scrap) |
Not airworthy |
Cannot be used again and is dismantled. |
A heavily corroded aircraft wing section classified as SCR is dismantled and recycled.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
MOD (Modified) |
Design change |
Altered from original specifications. |
|
TSO (Time Since Overhaul) |
Usage metric |
Indicates hours since last overhaul. |
|
NSP (Not Spareable) |
Non-replaceable |
Cannot be stocked as a spare. |
|
RPX (Repaired & Exchanged) |
Refurbished |
Repaired part provided in exchange for an old one. |
Proper documentation ensures compliance and traceability. Some key certifications include:
FAA Form 8130-3 – U.S. airworthiness approval tag.
EASA Form 1 – European counterpart of FAA 8130-3.
OEM Certificate – Authenticity confirmation from the manufacturer.
Release Certificate – Issued by an MRO after servicing.
Logbook Records – Essential for tracking maintenance history.
Understanding aircraft part classifications is essential for safe and efficient fleet management. Whether you are purchasing a factory-new part or sourcing an overhauled component, knowing the condition and certification requirements can save costs and prevent operational delays.
We supply certified aircraft parts for airlines, MROs, and operators worldwide. Contact us today to explore our inventory and find the best parts for your fleet.
