The best defense you can have against the threat of a SUP is to buy consistently from trusted suppliers. [Photo: Richard Scarbrough]
Key Takeaways:
Aircraft safety and airworthiness critically depend on using *approved* replacement parts, as even minor unapproved components can lead to catastrophic failure.
The FAA combats "Suspected Unapproved Parts (SUPs)" through programs and guidance (e.g., AC 20-62E), emphasizing that the aviation industry largely self-polices this multi-billion dollar aftermarket.
To ensure compliance, owners and mechanics must procure parts exclusively from accredited suppliers with robust quality controls, maintain diligence, and question unusually low prices to avoid unapproved materials.
Pulling up to the hangar, you are eager to check the progress of the work on your airplane.
The installation of your Garmin, Aspen, or Avidyne avionics finally finished up last month, and you need a little more time familiarizing yourself with them before that big cross-country flight next month. The cost consumed your entire profit-sharing bonus, but it was worth it.
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Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.
