1. Suspected Unapproved Parts Program Office Aviation Safety Inspector
Susan Trask
Aviation Safety Inspector

2. VISION
To promote the highest level of aviation safety by eliminating the potential safety risk posed by the entry of "unapproved parts" in the U.S. aviation community.

3. PROGRAM HISTORY 1995 - SUP Task Force Convened
Initial Program
Aircraft Certification Service (AIR)
FAA Order
Advisory Circular A
SUP Task Force Convened
SUP Office Established

4. Organizational Structure

5. Program Office Functions
Develop policy and guidance
Identify training needs, oversee and
implement the training program
Provide technical support
Coordinate efforts with Law Enforcement Authorities
Develop a national database

6. Suspected Unapproved Parts
What is a SUP?

7. SUSPECTED UNAPPROVED PART
A Suspected Unapproved Part (SUP) is a part, component, or material that is suspected of not meeting the requirements of an “approved part.” A part that, for any reason, someone suspects may not be “approved.”
Indications include:
a difference in size, finish, or color
improper (or lack of) identification
incomplete or altered documentation
See AC for complete definition

8. WHAT IS AN “APPROVED PART?”
A part that has been:
Properly Designed
Properly Produced
Properly Maintained
Properly Documented
See AC for complete definition

9. WHAT IS AN UNAPPROVED PART?

10. An unapproved part is a part or material
that does not meet any one of the 4
elements of an “Approved Part.” Approved Design Properly Produced Properly Maintained Properly Documented See AC for complete definition of “approved part” as used with quotation marks.

11. How does a SUP Case get started?
FAA Form , or Hotline Complaint referencing SUP are forwarded to AVR-20 AVR- 20 enters the available information into the Parts Reporting System (PRS), solicits additional info if necessary, and opens a case.
The case is assigned to the geographic area where the “focus of the investigation” resides, and forwarded to the SUP Coordinator.
The SUP Coordinator forwards the case to the appropriate action office ...

12. How many cases are there ?
What is the outcome?

13. Total Number of SUP Cases FY-98 through 2/25/03 Total SUP Cases: 1494

14. Cases with Finding of Unapproved Part by Fiscal Year

15. Companies Involved in SUP Cases
(Investigation Focus or Involved)

16. SUP Case Totals by Geographic Area

17. Number of Companies involved in SUP Investigations in Southern Region

18. How do I report a SUP?
Where can I get info?

21. SUSPECTED UNAPPROVED PARTS

22. THE DECISIONS WE MAKE
EACH DAY CAN POTENTIALLY IMPACT THOUSANDS OF LIVES! KEEP SAFETY A PRIORITY!
FAA Suspected Unapproved Parts Program Office
13873 Park Center Road, Suite 165
Herndon, VA
Phone: Fax:
Website: