How to Choose a Certified Electronic Parts Distributor for Your Aerospace Projects

Selecting the right electronic parts for aerospace projects might come across as daunting with the stringent demands placed on them for performance, traceability, and compliance. Yet, once a trusted distribution partner is in place, much of that complexity recedes. To help you confidently choose a distributor that will meet your aerospace electronics needs without undue risk, this blog will walk you through some of the most important steps in determining whether or not they are worth working with.

Step 1: Verify the Distributor’s Certifications and Accreditations

One of the most vital indicators of a reputable distributor that is positioned to work with aerospace and defense organizations is the set of certifications and accreditations they maintain, which should include:

• ISO 9001:2015 Certification: A foundational quality-management standard showing that the organization has a consistent system to manage quality and continuous improvement.
• AS9120B Certification: This applies specifically to distributors in the aerospace supply chain and is built on ISO 9001 but adds requirements for traceability, avoidance of counterfeit parts, storage, and handling of aerospace parts.
• FAA AC 00-56B Accreditation: This advisory circular issued by the Federal Aviation Administration establishes best practices for distributor quality systems.
• AS6081:2012 Certification: Though not directly related to aerospace parts, this is an additional standard that validates the authenticity of electronic components.

What to Check

• Does the distributor publicly state their certifications and provide audit copies if requested?
• Does the scope of the certificate cover aerospace or defense distribution, not just general electronics?

Step 2: Evaluate the Distributor’s Inventory, Supplier Base and Part Integrity

Once it seems that a distribution partner’s certifications and accreditations check out, the next step is to take a look at what to expect from their offered parts. Be wary of distributors that cannot demonstrate full traceability back to the original manufacturer or authorized supplier. In aerospace settings, even a single unverified component can lead to expensive, time-consuming operational issues and regulatory noncompliance.

What to Check

• Does the distributor supply products directly from original manufacturers or authorized suppliers with full traceability?
• Does the company have documented processes for counterfeit-part prevention, traceability, and supplier control? This should include certificates of conformance (CoCs), test reports, lot or serial traceability, and origin of supply information.
• Does the distributor clearly distinguish original parts from Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) equivalents?

Step 3: Assess the Distributor’s Aerospace-Specific Experience and Services

Even well-certified distributors may not have the ability to properly support aerospace projects. As such, you should assess how well they understand aerospace supply chains and procurement challenges.

What to Check

• Does the distributor claim to have experience in supporting civil aviation, defense, aerospace, and other such applications?
• Are they capable of handling urgent Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations and other curated procurement options?
• Is the distributor able to accommodate exported shipments, special packaging, and export-compliance documentation?
• Do they offer support for obsolete or legacy parts that are commonly needed for aerospace projects?
• Do they demonstrate proactive management of obsolescence, changing regulations, and supply-chain disruptions?

What Else to Avoid When Selecting Aerospace Electronic Parts Distributors

Even when a distributor appears reputable, certain warning signs are important to be aware of to avoid component failures, project delays, or certification issues, such as:

• Inadequate Storage and Handling Practices: Electronic components are often sensitive to moisture and electrostatic. Due to this, they require controlled environments and anti-static handling, so you should avoid distributors that cannot confirm climate-controlled storage, ESD protection, or adherence to IPC/JEDEC moisture standards.
• Insufficient Counterfeit Detection and Testing Procedures: The aerospace sector has been notably affected by a global rise in counterfeit electronic components, many of which can pass casual visual inspections. Do not work with any distributor that does not partner with certified testing laboratories or perform in-house testing per AS6081 standards, especially if documentation practices are not clear.
• Unreliable Customer Support: Limited or non-responsive customer support may indicate that they are not trustworthy, and particularly points to a lack of infrastructure to handle needs like AOG orders or compliance documentation requests.
• No Support for Obsolescence Management: Distributors that do not monitor end-of-life notifications for parts or have the ability to suggest suitable alternatives pose a risk for future procurement bottlenecks. Avoid those without proactive lifecycle management programs or that do not offer assistance in identifying form-fit-function replacements.

AFR Enterprises: A Dependable Source for Aerospace Electronics

In conclusion, aerospace professionals should always prioritize going with distributors that have the required certifications, display proven experience with mission-critical supply chains, and pay attention to proper sourcing practices. With these pointers, you can significantly reduce procurement risks and ensure your projects are successful. One such reputable distributor in this area is ASAP Semiconductor, our company offering a wide array of top-quality electronic, aircraft, and other such parts through the website AFR Enterprises.

When you shop on this platform, you can rest assured that everything we carry is compliant with strict industry standards, sourced directly from dependable entities, and will be shipped out to you with all applicable documentation. More than that, we never make you compromise on competitive pricing or quick fulfillment to secure top-notch parts. To learn more about our commitments and offerings, explore our website or get in touch with one of our representatives by phone or email at your convenience.