Airspace Distributors

Aircraft Part Condition Codes Explained (NE, NS, OH, SV, AR and More)

Open any aviation parts listing and you'll see two-letter codes next to the part number: NE, NS, OH, SV, AR. They're shorthand for the part's condition, and they make a big difference to price, lead time and the paperwork you should expect. The catch: these codes are industry convention, not FAA definitions. Usage varies a little between companies, so the code is where your questions begin, not where they end. This guide from Airspace Distributors explains each common code and what to verify.

Why condition codes matter

Condition tells you what has happened to a part since it was made: whether it has been installed, removed, inspected, repaired or overhauled. For an installer, the question isn't just "what condition?" but "can I show this part is eligible for installation?" That answer depends on the documents that come with the part. The Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA) notes that terms like "as is" and "as removed" describe a part's history; they are not approvals to install it. See ASA: As Is, As Removed (AR), Serviceable (SV), Repairable, and Factory New (FN).

The common codes

NE: New

A part that has never been installed or used, usually supplied with the manufacturer's documentation. Some suppliers use FN (Factory New) to mean the same thing, sometimes specifically for parts coming straight from the manufacturer's production. Ask what release document comes with it.

NS: New Surplus

Unused parts that came from excess stock, for example an operator's or another supplier's surplus, rather than directly from the manufacturer's current production. "New" here means unused, but the part may be older and has passed through more hands. Traceability back to the source matters more here, and so may shelf-life limits (for example for seals or rubber parts).

OH: Overhauled

A used part that has been overhauled under the applicable maintenance data. It's typically sold with a maintenance release from the organization that did the work. In the US that is often an FAA Form 8130-3 issued by a certificated repair station; FAA AC 43-9D covers how the form is completed for maintenance releases. Ask what work was done and against which manual revision.

SV: Serviceable

A used part that has been inspected and/or tested (and repaired if needed) and found serviceable, but not necessarily overhauled. The release document should say what was done (for example "inspected/tested"). SV usually costs less than OH, and the scope of work is narrower.

RP: Repaired

A part restored to serviceable condition by a specific repair, not a full overhaul. The release document should describe the repair.

AR: As Removed

Taken off an aircraft or engine with no inspection or test since removal. AR parts are often bought to be sent to a repair station for overhaul or test before installation. AR condition by itself does not make the part ready to install (see the ASA article above).

Other terms you may see

A quick comparison

Code Previously installed? Work since last use Typical documents to ask about
NE / FN No None (new) Manufacturer release / certificate of conformity
NS No None Traceability to source; manufacturer docs if available
OH Yes Overhauled Maintenance release (e.g. FAA 8130-3) describing the overhaul
SV Yes Inspected / tested (maybe repaired) Maintenance release describing the work
RP Yes Specific repair Maintenance release describing the repair
AR Yes None since removal Removal records; trace history

This table is a general guide. Always confirm with the actual paperwork for the specific part.

How to use condition codes in your purchasing

  1. List the conditions you'll accept in your RFQ, in order of preference.
  2. Ask for the release document by name, plus the work described on it.
  3. Check traceability, especially for NS and AR parts. See our companion article on traceability.
  4. Watch life limits and shelf life. For life-limited parts, condition codes say nothing about remaining life; you need the back-to-birth records.
  5. Check against your own quality manual. Your organization decides what is acceptable for installation; the condition code doesn't.

FAQ

Are condition codes defined by the FAA? No. Codes like NE, NS, OH, SV and AR are industry shorthand. The FAA requirements are about records and approvals, not these labels. See ASA's explanation: https://www.aviationsuppliers.org/as-is-as-removed-ar-serviceable-sv-repairable-and-factory-new-fn

Is "new surplus" the same as "new"? Both mean unused. NS usually means the part came from excess inventory rather than straight from the manufacturer, so traceability and shelf life deserve a closer look.

What's the difference between OH and SV? Overhaul restores the part according to the manufacturer's overhaul instructions. Serviceable means it was inspected and/or tested and found to meet requirements, which is usually a narrower scope of work. The release document should say which.

Can I install an AR part? Not on condition alone. An as-removed part normally needs inspection, test or overhaul, with appropriate release documentation, before it's eligible to install.

Does an 8130-3 come with every condition? Not necessarily. It depends on the part's history and source. Ask before you order.

Sources