Illustrated Parts Catalog – Comprehensive Guide
What is an Illustrated Parts Catalog?
An Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is an essential reference from an aircraft manufacturer, providing detailed information about every replaceable part for a specific aircraft model. It acts as a comprehensive visual reference, combining illustrations, part numbers, and descriptions to ensure precise component identification.
The IPC clarifies the relationships between components. Using exploded-view diagrams, it shows precisely how parts fit together.
How to Use an Illustrated Parts Catalog
Using an IPC effectively follows these steps:
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Navigate to the Correct Section: PCs are organized by system, typically following Air Transport Association (ATA) chapter codes. Locate the chapter corresponding to the system you are working on (e.g., landing gear) to narrow your search.
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Identify the Part: Use exploded-view diagrams to visually match the physical component. Every illustrated part is tagged with an item number, which links to a parts list table containing the official part number, description, and quantity.
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Verify and Cross-Reference: Double-check the part number against the specific aircraft model and serial number to account for any variations. This prevents the costly mistake of ordering the wrong component.
Relationship Between IPC and Aircraft Maintenance Manual
The IPC and AMM have different but complementary functions. While they are designed to be used together, they are not interchangeable. The key differences are:
| Feature | Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) | Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) |
|—|—|—|
| Primary Purpose | Part Identification: Answers “what” a part is and “where” it goes. | Procedural Guidance: Explains “how” to perform a maintenance task. |
| Content | Exploded-view diagrams, item numbers, part numbers, and descriptions. | Step-by-step instructions for removal, installation, inspection, and testing. |
| Use Case | To find the correct part number for ordering and reference. | To safely and correctly perform the maintenance work after identifying the part. |
Digital Electronic Parts Catalogs
The traditional paper-based IPC has been replaced by the Digital Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC)—a more dynamic and efficient solution. By digitizing the entire catalog, these software or web-based platforms provide improved speed, accuracy, and user-friendliness.
Key advantages of PCs include:
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Advanced Search and Visualization**: Users can instantly search for parts, zoom in on high-resolution images, and rotate 3D models for a 360-degree view.
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Automatic Updates**: PCs are updated directly by the manufacturer, eliminating the risk of using outdated part numbers or configurations.
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System Integration**: Many PCs connect with inventory management systems and the AMM, streamlining the entire workflow from part identification to final installation.
PMA Replacement Parts and Their Importance
Navigating an Illustrated Parts Catalog reveals parts from both the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and certified alternatives. The most important are PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) replacement parts. This designation is granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to third-party companies that produce aircraft components, offering a certified and often more cost-effective alternative to those from the OEM.
PMA parts play an important role in aviation, offering a competitive, cost-effective option for maintenance, repairs, and overhauls without compromising safety. To receive FAA approval, a PMA manufacturer must demonstrate that its part is equal to or better than the original in terms of design, material, and performance. This certification process guarantees every PMA part meets the highest standards of airworthiness and reliability, providing operators and technicians with confidence in their use.
Within an Illustrated Parts Catalog, PMA parts are typically listed as acceptable substitutes for original components, sometimes with a distinct part number or a note in the description. This allows maintenance planners and technicians with the flexibility to select the most economical and readily available part, reducing operational costs and minimize aircraft downtime. By fostering a competitive marketplace, PMA parts help make aviation maintenance more sustainable and efficient.
Examples of Illustrated Parts Catalogs
PCs are standard publications from all leading aviation manufacturers, covering both airframes and engines. Key producers include:
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Boeing
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Airbus
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Cessna
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Continental Aerospace
These catalogs support everything from complex engine overhauls to routine maintenance, demonstrating their importance throughout aviation maintenance.
Customer Support and Technical Assistance
When an IPC is ambiguous, aircraft manufacturers and authorized distributors provide technical assistance, providing essential support for resolving uncertainties.
Support teams typically assist with:
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Part Identification: Confirming part numbers and clarifying assembly relationships in diagrams.
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Compatibility Verification: Ensuring a component is correct for a specific aircraft serial number.
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Catalog Management: Answering questions about updates and providing help with digital EPC access and integration.
