Understanding Aircraft Parts Condition Codes: A Complete Reference

Buying Guides · 6 min read · Published 2026-03-01

Aircraft parts condition codes are standardized abbreviations defined by ATA Spec 2000 that describe the maintenance status and airworthiness of aviation components at the time of sale. The primary codes are NE (New), FN (Factory New), OH (Overhauled), SV (Serviceable), AR (As-Removed), RP (Repaired), IN (Inspected), and NS (New Surplus). Each code carries specific implications for pricing, documentation, and regulatory acceptability.

Key Takeaways

ATA Spec 2000 defines the standardized condition codes used globally in aviation parts transactions.
Only parts with NE, FN, OH, SV, RP, or IN condition codes come with 8130-3 airworthiness tags — AR parts do not.
New Surplus (NS) parts are new-condition but may have been in storage for an extended period — verify shelf life and storage conditions.
Repaired (RP) parts have had a specific defect corrected but have not undergone a full overhaul — they retain their existing time since overhaul.
Always match the condition code to your aircraft's maintenance program requirements before purchasing.

What Is ATA Spec 2000?

ATA Spec 2000 is a set of e-business standards developed by the Air Transport Association (now Airlines for America, A4A) that standardizes how the aviation industry communicates about parts, including condition codes. These codes are universally recognized by airlines, MROs, distributors, and regulatory authorities worldwide.

Using standardized condition codes ensures that when a buyer requests an "OH" part, every supplier in the world understands exactly what condition is being specified. This eliminates ambiguity and reduces the risk of receiving a part in an unexpected condition.

Complete Condition Code Reference Table

Code	Condition	Definition	8130-3 Required
NE	New	New part from OEM with full traceability	Yes
FN	Factory New	New, unused part — may include PMA	Yes
NS	New Surplus	New part from surplus/overstock inventory	Yes
OH	Overhauled	Fully overhauled to OEM specs with zero-time	Yes
SV	Serviceable	Inspected/tested and approved for return to service	Yes
RP	Repaired	Specific defect corrected, not full overhaul	Yes
IN	Inspected	Inspected and returned to serviceable condition	Yes
AR	As-Removed	Removed from aircraft with no post-removal work	No
PN	Prototype New	New prototype — not certified for production aircraft	No

New Surplus (NS) — What You Need to Know

New Surplus (NS) parts are new, unused components that have entered the surplus market — typically from airline overstock, aircraft program cancellations, or distributor inventory reductions. NS parts are physically identical to NE parts but may have been in storage for an extended period.

When buying NS parts, verify: (1) the part has been stored per manufacturer recommendations, (2) shelf life items are within their expiration date, (3) the 8130-3 tag or certificate of conformity is valid, and (4) the part has not been superseded by a later revision that incorporates mandatory modifications.

Repaired (RP) vs Overhauled (OH) — What's the Difference?

The key distinction between Repaired (RP) and Overhauled (OH) parts lies in the scope of work performed:

Overhauled (OH): The component is completely disassembled, all parts inspected per the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), worn components replaced, the unit reassembled and tested to OEM specifications. The component receives zero-time documentation — its TSO (Time Since Overhaul) resets to zero.

Repaired (RP): Only the specific defect or discrepancy is corrected. The component is not fully disassembled or zero-timed. It retains its existing TSO and TSN counters. Repair work must still be performed by a certified repair station and documented with an 8130-3 tag.

RP parts are typically less expensive than OH parts because less labor and fewer replacement parts are involved. However, they also have a shorter expected remaining service life since the overall component was not fully restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are aircraft parts condition codes?

Aircraft parts condition codes are standardized abbreviations defined by ATA Spec 2000 that describe the maintenance status, inspection history, and airworthiness of an aviation component at the time of sale. The most common codes are NE (New), FN (Factory New), OH (Overhauled), SV (Serviceable), AR (As-Removed), RP (Repaired), IN (Inspected), NS (New Surplus), and PN (Prototype New). These codes are recognized globally by FAA, EASA, and other civil aviation authorities and determine the part's pricing, documentation requirements, and eligibility for installation.

What is the difference between Repaired (RP) and Overhauled (OH)?

An Overhauled (OH) part has been completely disassembled, inspected, repaired, reassembled, and tested to meet OEM specifications, receiving zero-time documentation where its Time Since Overhaul resets to zero. A Repaired (RP) part has only had a specific defect corrected without a full disassembly and overhaul — it retains its existing time counters. OH parts are more expensive but offer a full restoration to OEM specs, while RP parts address only the identified issue at a lower cost.

Can I install an As-Removed (AR) part on my aircraft?

No, As-Removed (AR) parts cannot be installed directly on an aircraft. AR parts have been removed from a serviceable aircraft but have not undergone any inspection, testing, or certification after removal. They do not come with an FAA 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tag. Before an AR part can be installed, it must be inspected, tested, or overhauled by an FAA-certified repair station (14 CFR Part 145), which will issue an 8130-3 tag upon approval for return to service.

What is a New Surplus (NS) aircraft part?

A New Surplus (NS) aircraft part is a new, unused component that has entered the surplus market, typically from airline overstock, aircraft program cancellations, or distributor inventory reductions. NS parts are physically new and unused, but they may have been stored for an extended period. When purchasing NS parts, buyers should verify proper storage conditions, check shelf life expiration dates for perishable items, confirm the 8130-3 tag or certificate of conformity is valid, and ensure the part has not been superseded by a later revision with mandatory modifications.

Which condition codes include an 8130-3 airworthiness tag?

Parts with the following condition codes include an FAA 8130-3 Airworthiness Approval Tag: NE (New), FN (Factory New), NS (New Surplus), OH (Overhauled), SV (Serviceable), RP (Repaired), and IN (Inspected). Parts designated as AR (As-Removed) and PN (Prototype New) do not come with 8130-3 tags. AR parts require inspection and certification by an FAA-authorized repair station before receiving an 8130-3 tag, and PN parts are prototype components not approved for installation on production aircraft.

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