In the aerospace industry, parts are never just “random nuts and bolts.” Every component — from a structural bolt to a simple washer — is identified by a unique part number (P/N), documented in official catalogues, and tied to strict maintenance and traceability standards. For engineers, mechanics, or aviation enthusiasts, knowing how to read and interpret these identifiers — and understanding the documentation behind them — is critical for safety, compliance, and effective procurement. This article explains how part numbering works at boeing d243w003-2, how to use the parts catalogues, and what standards or pitfalls you need to be aware of.
Table of Contents
Why Part Numbers Matter
A part number serves as a universal identifier. When you specify a P/N in an order or maintenance form, you are referring to an exact, unique component. Without it, you risk installing the wrong item — which could lead to part failure, safety issues, or regulatory non-compliance. In aircraft maintenance and manufacturing:
- The part number must match exactly the one documented in the official catalogue or illustrated parts manual.
- Alternate or replacement parts may exist, but only if cross-referenced correctly within the catalogue.
- For small or “standard parts” (like bolts, washers, fasteners), part numbers enable standardization across models and allow vendors and maintainers to order identical or equivalent items.
Boeing’s “BAC” Standard Parts & Numbering Scheme
For internal parts that are standardized across many aircraft or systems, boeing d243w003-2 uses a special numbering scheme under its in-house standard called Boeing Aircraft Company — commonly abbreviated “BAC.”
- Standard BAC part numbers typically start with the prefix “BAC.”
- Following “BAC” is usually a character or letter indicating part type — for example, “B” might stand for “bolt,” “R” for “rivet,” “W” for washer, though exact meaning depends on internal coding.
- The rest of the code is a mix of alphanumeric characters specifying material, dimensions (diameter, length or size), plating/coating, and specific configuration.
Example: A valid Boeing part might be something like boeing d243w003-2. This could decode as a “BAC standard bolt (B)” with a certain design spec, material, diameter/length indicated by subsequent code — and crucially, designed to meet Boeing’s internal standardized specifications.
Using BAC-standard parts simplifies procurement, streamlines maintenance, and ensures consistency — especially when many aircraft models or variants use the same hardware.
The Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) — The Master Reference
Having a part number isn’t enough: correct installation requires consulting the official parts catalogue — often referred to as the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or IPM. This document:
- Lists all parts for a given aircraft model (or family), grouped by system and sub-system (e.g., structure, avionics, hydraulics).
- Provides drawings or illustrations showing the part’s location in the assembly — helping mechanics visually verify the correct item.
- Records part interchanges or alternate part numbers, including superseded versions and effectivity for specific aircraft serial numbers.
- Includes critical metadata: how many of a part are used per assembly, whether optional, and whether part of a larger assembly.
- When a maintenance task or a reorder is needed, the IPC is the starting point. It ensures the correct part number, correct variant (e.g., length, material), and confirms compatibility with the aircraft model/serial.
- Standard Parts vs. Custom Components
Not every part is a BAC standard part. Some are manufacturer-specific, custom components — for instance, complex assemblies, avionics modules, structural elements, or parts unique to a particular aircraft variant. For standard hardware (bolts, rivets, washers, generic fasteners), BAC standardization works well. For specialized parts, other numbering or documentation applies.
Regulatory standards often define which components qualify as standard parts and which require stricter tracking or certification. Standard parts are typically covered under industry specifications, military standards, or national/international specifications, while custom parts may require additional verification or traceability.
Common Mistakes & Risks — Why Traceability Is Essential
One of the biggest mistakes is ordering or installing a part solely based on a number someone provided — without cross-checking against the IPC or official documentation. That can lead to:
- Installing an incompatible part, which may fail under stress.
- Regulatory or certification issues, as maintenance records may not be valid without proper documentation.
- Supply-chain confusion: parts may be obsolete, superseded, or replaced by updated versions.
It’s standard practice in aviation maintenance to verify every part number against the IPC or official manufacturer documentation before installation.
When a Part Number Doesn’t Show Up
If you encounter a part number that doesn’t match standard formats or yields no result in catalog searches, possible explanations include:
- It’s a custom or proprietary component, possibly unique to a specific aircraft build or modification.
- It’s obsolete, superseded, or internal (reference number) and no longer publicly catalogued.
- The number might be incorrect, truncated, or misquoted.
In such cases, using the part without verification is risky unless validated by official documentation or traceability records.
Best Practices for Procurement & Maintenance Documentation
For anyone writing about, specifying, or ordering aircraft parts, the following best practices are vital:
- Always consult the IPC or equivalent parts manual first.
- Cross-reference part numbers: verify aircraft model, serial number, and configuration effectivity.
- Request full documentation when sourcing parts externally, including specification sheets, material details, and alternate P/N references.
- Maintain traceability and records: serial numbers, installation date, aircraft registration, and batch numbers.
- Avoid ordering parts based solely on hearsay without official cross-checking.
Conclusion
The aerospace world demands precision. A single bolt — if incorrectly specified — can lead to structural issues; a wrong washer may cause premature fatigue; an incompatible fastener could compromise assembly integrity. Part numbers, standardization, and rigorous documentation are essential for safety, efficiency, and compliance.
For boeing d243w003-2, the BAC standard parts system and the Illustrated Parts Catalog provide a framework for consistent, traceable, and verifiable components. Understanding this system is crucial for aviation professionals, writers, and anyone involved in aircraft maintenance or procurement.