FAA Updates SUPs Guidance

The FAA has updated the guidance on detecting and reporting suspected unapproved parts (SUPs), which is known as Detecting and Reporting Suspected Unapproved Parts, FAA AC 21-29C CHG 2 (August 17, 2011).

The advisory circular’s update provides new references to various sections in Part 21 , to coincide with the October 16, 2009 changes in Part 21.  It also makes reference to the new commercial parts definition (part of the 2009 rule change), and clarifies that commercial parts are approved parts.

References to “fabrication inspection systems” are removed from the guidance (the concept of “fabrication inspection systems” was removed from the regulations in favor of unified standard production quality system regulations for all production approval holders).

Finally, the guidance is updated to reflect changed addresses and telephone contact numbers.

The newest guidance can be found online here:

• Detecting and Reporting Suspected Unapproved Parts, FAA AC 21-29C CHG 2 (August 17, 2011)