While I'm not advocating the use of "nonstandard" parts don't get lulled into the mistaken belief that standard or authorized parts are superior or for that matter even safe. A case in point is the exhaust header purchased by a friend from a well known parts supplier (a PMA supplier). It met all the requirements by the FAA but when installed turned his plane into a death trap. On takeoff I had a passenger with me and he was solo and I nearly ran over him. His climbout was only about 100-150 FPM. When we landed the new header was removed and given a careful inspection. A small lip was found where the pipes were welded together. Didn't look like much but was enough to rob him of roughly 30-40% power. Enough to get you killed on a takeoff. After returning it 3 times and being told there was no problem he fixed the problem himself. Not legal but safer. I myself purchased and replaced a back spinner plate from one company several times before the company acknowledged they knew of the defect and fixed the problem. The stories are endless. Personally I place no faith in PMA parts, I use them when I am sure they are safe otherwise I will make do with alternatives. AI are well meaning but not infallible, I've had my mags timed 180 degrees out by an AI and been told in no uncertain circumstances could auto fuel be used in an aircraft engine by another, never mind the mogas STC and several hundred hours I already had flown. Lets face it if your car was as subject to as many problems as an airplane you would junk it. Remember that there are quite a few auto parts flying that have had an appropriate AC # painted on them, of course you pay 2-3 times as much for them as you would for one you bought at PEP Boys but just think how much safer you feel with that number on there. The reality is that if it were not for the insurance issue a lot more pilots would be flying alternative parts. Face it. it's seldom a safety issue but an insurance issue
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