Your aircraft part failed. What is your recourse?
This article explains what determines the length of an aircraft part warranty, what is covered, and what to watch out for.
What is an Aircraft Part Warranty?
A warranty specifies the amount of time and the terms under which a faulty part may be returned. A warranty may also allow for a general return of an unused part that was not installed on an aircraft.
What Determines the Length of an Aircraft Part Warranty?
How long a warranty is valid depends on who is offering the warranty and the condition of the part.
Who Offers an Aircraft Part Warranty?
The length of the warranty varies depending on who is selling the part: the original manufacturer, reseller, or repair vendor.
The original manufacturer, or authorized distributor, usually offers a longer warranty than a reseller. As an example, a windshield may have a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years from the tag date or 2 years from the date it is installed on an aircraft. Meanwhile, a reseller may only offer a 90-day warranty for the same windshield.
A repair vendor may offer a warranty for a recently repaired part. The length of the warranty will vary based on the date of the repair and how it compares to the sell date and the supplier’s warranty already on the part.
What is the Aircraft Part Condition?
The length of the warranty may also be determined by the part condition. For instance, parts in new or overhauled condition usually have longer warranties than those listed as serviceable (i.e., repaired, tested, inspected).
For a full list of aircraft part conditions, check out: What are the Different Aircraft Part Conditions?
How Does the Part Condition Impact Coverage?
The condition of the part may determine the length of the warranty and what is covered under the warranty.
Repaired Part Condition
The warranty for a repaired part may only cover the work that was completed during the previous repair process. If the part fails for a different problem than the reason for the last repair then it may not be covered under warranty.
As Removed Part Condition
Most “as removed” parts do not have warranties, though some suppliers may offer one of the following options:
- 30-Day Return/Subject to Install – The buyer has 30 days from when the part was purchased to install and test the part. If the part does not work, the buyer may still be able to return the part within the 30-day period for a refund.
- 30-Day Return/Guaranteed Repairable – The buyer has 30 days from when the part was purchased to test the part. If the part does not work and is deemed unrepairable, the buyer may return the part for a refund. The buyer would have to provide the supplier with the shop technical report (that states the part is not economically repairable) to receive approval for the return.
- As-Is with No Return – The buyer accepts the part as is with no option of return.
Read more: How to Return an Aircraft Part to the Supplier?
What To Watch Out For with Aircraft Part Warranties
Each Aircraft Part has Its Own Warranty
Each aircraft part listed on a quote or purchase order will have its own warranty (unless the part is sold “as removed”). Do not assume that all the parts sold on the same order from the same supplier have the same warranty. One part may have a warranty of 90 days while another may only have 30 days.
If you are being quoted for the same part from different suppliers, you might opt for a part from a supplier that offers a better warranty.
Multiple Warranties
The supplier will handle all warranty claims. If the warranty for a part is provided by the manufacturer, another seller, or a repair vendor, the supplier whom you purchased the part from will work with the warranty holder on your behalf.
Past Expiration Date
It never hurts to ask if a part can be returned after the warranty has expired. The supplier may still have the part under warranty from another party.
The supplier has the final say in accepting or declining the return.
Lack of a Warranty
Be skeptical of an aircraft part offered without a warranty or has a very limited warranty. Offering a warranty on an aircraft part is considered good business as it indicates that suppliers are willing to stand behind their products.
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