Parts & Traceability Guide
Aircraft Parts Conditions & Abbreviations – Complete Industry Guide
Understanding aircraft parts condition terminology is essential for safe maintenance, compliant procurement, and cost control. This page explains the most common abbreviations used in the aircraft spares trade—what they mean, when to use them, and what documentation you should expect.
Built for airlines, MROs, lessors, operators, and procurement teams sourcing parts across India, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and worldwide.
- NE / NS / FN
- OH / SV / INS / RP
- AR / CR / US
- BER / SCR
- FAA 8130-3 / EASA Form 1
1) New & Unused Aircraft Parts
New and unused parts have never been installed on an aircraft and remain in their original manufactured condition. These components typically offer the highest level of traceability and procurement confidence.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NE (New) | Factory-new part | Never used; supplied with full manufacturer certification and original packaging. |
| NS (New Surplus) | Excess inventory | Unused parts stored for extended periods; may have limited or no remaining OEM warranty. |
| FN (Factory New) | Direct from OEM | Supplied directly by the manufacturer; never owned or installed. |
Example: An airline purchasing a brand-new avionics system directly from the OEM will typically receive an NE or FN unit with complete traceability.
2) Serviceable Aircraft Parts
Serviceable parts have previously been installed but remain suitable for continued operation following inspection, repair, or overhaul. The required standard depends on the part type, approved data, and operator/regulatory expectations.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| OH (Overhauled) | Like-new condition | Fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired as required, and tested to approved standards (often OEM or approved data). |
| SV (Serviceable) | Operational | Tested and confirmed functional; not necessarily subjected to a full overhaul. |
| INS (Inspected) | Visually checked | Inspected for visible defects; may not be refurbished or returned to like-new standard. |
| RP (Repaired) | Restored to function | Repaired and tested to restore function; not the same as overhauled. |
Example: An engine described as OH has been processed by an approved MRO and released to service after meeting applicable standards and test requirements.
3) Used & Removed Aircraft Parts
Used or removed parts originate from aircraft but may not have undergone post-removal inspection or certification. These categories are common in teardown sourcing, exchange programmes, and rapid AOG procurement—where validation and documentation are crucial.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AR (As Removed) | Condition unknown | Removed from an aircraft without testing/certification at removal; requires inspection/testing for return-to-service. |
| CR (Core Return) | Defective or worn | Returned for credit, exchange, or refurbishment; common in repair/exchange structures. |
| US (Used) | Previously installed | Operational history exists; may require inspection or servicing before installation. |
Example: A landing gear assembly removed at a scheduled life limit is commonly logged as AR until inspected and released under appropriate certification.
4) Beyond Serviceable Limits
Parts in this category cannot be economically or safely returned to service. They may still carry value for non-airworthy applications, training, or material recovery—depending on applicable rules and buyer requirements.
| Abbreviation | Condition | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BER (Beyond Economical Repair) | Repair cost exceeds value | Repair may be possible, but the cost is not financially sensible compared to the component's value. |
| SCR (Scrap) | Not airworthy | Cannot be returned to service; should be dismantled, recycled, or destroyed as required. |
Example: A severely corroded structural section designated as SCR is dismantled and recycled rather than returned to service.
5) Other Common Terms in Aircraft Parts Trade
| Abbreviation | Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MOD | Modified | Component altered from its original design configuration (typically via approved data). |
| TSO | Time Since Overhaul | Operating hours or cycles since the last overhaul; used for life planning and valuation. |
| NSP | Not Spareable | Part not intended to be stocked separately as a spare. |
| RPX | Repaired & Exchanged | Repaired unit supplied in exchange for an unserviceable core. |
6) Essential Documentation & Certifications
Documentation is what turns a component into a procurement-ready part. The right paperwork protects safety, supports audits, and preserves resale value. Typical documents you may need include:
- FAA Form 8130-3 – US airworthiness approval tag for approved release scenarios.
- EASA Form 1 – European release certificate for approved release scenarios.
- OEM Certificate – Confirms authenticity and origin from the original manufacturer (where applicable).
- Release Certificate (MRO) – Issued by an approved MRO following inspection, repair, or overhaul.
- Logbook / Traceability Records – Evidence of maintenance history, ownership chain, and compliance data.
Practical tip: For AR or used components, request inspection/test evidence and clarify what release documentation will be provided before you commit—especially for AOG timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs help procurement teams, engineers, and operators quickly validate parts condition terminology and the documentation expectations behind it.
What does NE mean in aircraft parts condition?
NE means New. It indicates a factory-new aircraft part that has never been installed or used and is typically supplied with full manufacturer certification and traceability.
What is the difference between NE (New) and NS (New Surplus)?
NE is factory-new with full OEM certification (and often original packaging/warranty). NS is unused but typically from excess inventory and may have been stored for a long period, with limited or no remaining OEM warranty.
What does OH mean in aircraft parts trading?
OH means Overhauled. The component has been fully disassembled, cleaned, repaired as required, and tested to approved standards (typically OEM or approved data) before release back to service.
What does SV (Serviceable) mean?
SV generally indicates the part has been tested and found operational, but it has not necessarily undergone a full overhaul.
What does AR (As Removed) mean?
AR means As Removed. The part has been removed from an aircraft and its condition may be unknown until inspected or tested. AR parts usually require evaluation and appropriate certification before they can be returned to service.
What is a Core Return (CR) part?
CR means Core Return. It refers to an unserviceable or worn component returned for credit, exchange, or refurbishment—common in exchange and repair programmes.
What does BER mean for aircraft components?
BER means Beyond Economical Repair. The part may be repairable in theory, but the cost of repair is not financially sensible compared to the component's value.
What does SCR (Scrap) mean?
SCR means Scrap. The component is not airworthy and cannot be returned to service. It should be dismantled, recycled, or destroyed in line with applicable procedures.
Which documents are commonly required when buying aircraft parts?
Common documents include FAA Form 8130-3, EASA Form 1, an OEM Certificate (where applicable), an MRO release certificate after servicing, and logbook/traceability records showing maintenance and ownership history.
Is FAA 8130-3 the same as EASA Form 1?
They serve a similar purpose but sit under different regulatory frameworks. FAA Form 8130-3 is associated with the US system, while EASA Form 1 is used under the European system. Acceptance depends on the operator's regulatory requirements and the part's approval basis.
What is TSO (Time Since Overhaul) and why does it matter?
TSO means Time Since Overhaul and refers to operating hours or cycles since the last overhaul. It helps buyers and maintenance teams estimate remaining life and plan inspections, removals, and costs.
How can we reduce risk when sourcing serviceable or used aircraft parts?
Prioritise traceability, verify documentation, confirm the release certificate and applicable airworthiness data, and work with reputable suppliers. For AR or used parts, request inspection/testing and appropriate certification before installation.
Does Safe Fly Aviation supply certified aircraft parts worldwide?
Yes. Safe Fly Aviation supplies certified aircraft parts to airlines, MROs, and operators worldwide—supporting sourcing across new, overhauled, and serviceable components with documentation and traceability aligned to procurement requirements.