The deadline for interested parties to submit comments about the FAA’s proposed policy statement regarding “Inappropriate DAH [Design Approval Holder] Restrictions on the Use and Availability of ICA” closed December 5. Two aircraft manufacturers–Boeing and Gulfstream Aerospace–commented, as did two associations, the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) and the Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA). “The FAA policy was written in response to the growing practice of manufacturers licensing their manuals on the condition that the licensee repair station or air carrier/operator pledge to refrain from using competitive products like DER repairs or PMA parts,” MARPA wrote. “The FAA policy makes it clear that it is not acceptable for manufacturers to license their ICAs [instructions for continued airworthiness] using restrictive licenses that preclude competition. For example, an engine manufacturer may not license its ICAs on the condition that the licensee agree not to purchase PMA parts for the engines.”
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