TSO, or Technical Standard Order, refers to the standards for specified materials, parts, processes, and appliances in civil aircraft. These standards are set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and determine whether or not an item is fit for operation. TSO standards mean that a given part is considered airworthy and can be installed in any aircraft. This differs from a
Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA), which is an approval for a part to be used only on a specific aircraft model.
Common TSOs are for items such as airspeed instruments, turn & slip instruments, bank & pitch instruments, safety belts, aircraft position lights, and much more. For most TSOs, the FAA utilizes
SAE International, a professional association for the development and organization of engineering standards. SAE International is made of many committees of experts with the purpose of developing transparent and easy-to-understand standards. It’s important to note that once a part receives TSO approval, it must be used in compliance with the operating requirements of the aircraft to which it is affixed. Failure to do so would effectively nullify the TSO.
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