Definition
A component identified by the FAA as approved for installation on a specific make and model of aircraft, rather than as a general-use or interchangeable part. The approval ties the part to that particular aircraft type through its type certificate, supplemental type certificate, or other FAA-approved data.
Plain English
A part that has been officially approved for use on one specific kind of aircraft, not as a general part that fits anything.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance records, inspection write-ups, parts replacement discussions, and airworthiness decisions.
Derivation
‘Particular’ comes from the Latin particularis, meaning ‘relating to a single part or item.’ Here it signals that the part is tied to one specific aircraft, not treated as a general or universal item.
Why Pilots Care
Installing a part not approved for your specific aircraft type can render the aircraft unairworthy, even if the part looks identical to an approved one. Pilots and owners must verify approval applies to their make and model before installation.
Intuition Check
“Particular” does not mean “fussy” or “hard to please” here. It means “this exact one, not just any one like it.”
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic confirmed the bracket was a particular aircraft part approved for the Cessna 172 before installing it.
Example Sentence 2
Only the particular aircraft part approved for this model may be installed.