What are the most commonly used standard parts in aviation?

The table below lists common categories of standard parts used in aircraft maintenance, along with typical examples and their main applications.

Category	Examples	Typical application in aircraft
Fasteners	Bolts, nuts, rivets, washers	Securing panels, structures, and assemblies
Bearings & Bushings	Ball bearings, sleeve bushings	Flight control linkages, landing gear joints
Electrical Components	Connectors, clamps, terminals	Wiring harnesses, avionics systems
Seals & Gaskets	O-rings, gaskets	Hydraulic and fuel systems
Fluid Fittings	Couplings, elbows, unions	Fuel, pneumatic, and hydraulic lines
Pins & Cotter Devices	Clevis pins, split pins	Hinges, mechanical linkages

Why are standard parts important in the aviation aftermarket?

Standard parts are important in aviation because they form the foundation of reliable, cost-effective, and compliant aircraft maintenance.

Since standard parts are widely available and follow pre-approved specifications, they can reduce supply chain complexity and ensure faster turnaround times in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations.

For the aviation aftermarket, standard parts:

Simplify procurement by eliminating the need for type-specific documentation
Support interchangeability across aircraft and systems
Help reduce downtime and costs during scheduled maintenance or repairs
Ensure safety and traceability through standardised manufacturing controls

Satair plays a key role in distributing certified standard hardware, ensuring airlines and MRO providers can access high-quality and traceable components on time, across the world, and in accordance with aviation regulations.

Explore our range of fully traceable, certified standard parts

What causes challenges with standard parts procurement?

While standard parts are meant to simplify the supply chain, challenges can still arise, including:

Counterfeit risks due to global sourcing and parallel markets.
Traceability requirements, where documentation and batch control must meet aviation authority standards.
Obsolescence of certain standards, as newer specifications replace older ones.
Supplier fragmentation, making it difficult to maintain consistent stock and pricing.

To overcome these issues, operators rely on trusted, authorised distributors with stringent quality assurance and global logistics capabilities.

How are standard parts used in MRO operations?

In day-to-day MRO activities, standard parts are used across nearly all maintenance categories, from line maintenance to heavy checks.

Typical examples include:

Fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers, rivets)
Electrical connectors and clamps
Fluid fittings, O-rings, and seals
Bearings and pins

When a part replacement is needed, engineers reference the applicable NAS, MS, or EN code to identify the correct standard part.

MROs source these through certified suppliers who provide airworthiness certificates (e.g., FAA Form 8130-3 or EASA Form 1) to verify authenticity and compliance.

How can airlines ensure the quality and traceability of standard parts?

The most effective approach is to establish long-term relationships with certified suppliers who adhere to recognised quality systems such as AS9120 and ISO 9001.

Additional best practices include:

Sourcing standard parts from OEM-approved or authorised distributors only.
Requesting and retaining traceability documentation for every batch.
Implementing digital inventory systems to track lot numbers and shelf life.
Regularly auditing suppliers for compliance with aviation regulations.

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