FAA Flags 3D Printed Cockpit Accessories As Unapproved Parts

Notice covers 3D printed cup holders, yoke grips and other accessories sold for type-certificated aircraft.

FAA Flags 3D Printed Cockpit Accessories As Unapproved Parts
Close-up of a 3D printer. [Credit: Jakub Zerdzicki | Shutterstock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA issued an Unapproved Parts Notification for 3D printed aircraft accessories sold by Michael Graham (MadeByMike3D) without agency approval or authorization.
  • These accessories, primarily cockpit and interior items like cup and headset holders, were sold for installation on type-certificated aircraft without the necessary FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA).
  • While no failures or incidents have been reported, the FAA is advising owners and maintenance organizations to inspect aircraft and inventories for these MadeByMike3D articles and quarantine any found.
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The FAA issued an Unapproved Parts Notification Tuesday covering 3D printed aircraft accessories produced and sold by Michael Graham, doing business as MadeByMike3D. The agency said Graham sold the articles between May 2024 and August 2025 for installation on type-certificated aircraft without FAA approval or authorization.

The list consists primarily of cockpit and interior accessories, including cup holders for Beechcraft Bonanza, Debonair and Grumman aircraft, headset holders, windshield shades, defroster vent components and yoke grips. The notice does not identify engine, propeller, structural or aerodynamic components, and the FAA did not report that any of the listed 3D printed products had failed or caused an incident.

The issue centers on the articles’ approval status. FAA rules generally require a Parts Manufacturer Approval for replacement or modification articles produced for sale and installation on type-certificated aircraft, although exceptions exist for items such as owner-produced parts. The FAA is asking owners, maintenance organizations and parts suppliers to inspect aircraft and inventories for the MadeByMike3D articles and quarantine those found in inventory until their eligibility for installation can be determined.

Matt Ryan

Matt is AVweb's lead editor. His eyes have been turned to the sky for as long as he can remember. Now a fixed-wing pilot, instructor and aviation writer, Matt also leads and teaches a high school aviation program in the Dallas area. Beyond his lifelong obsession with aviation, Matt loves to travel and has lived in Greece, Czechia and Germany for studies and for work.
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