The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (Marpa) is holding its annual conference from October 27 to 29 at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas. As the primary association supporting manufacturers of FAA-approved parts made under FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) regulations, Marpa helps educate its members and industry participants about the complex issues surrounding PMA. The meeting opens with a pre-conference workshop on October 27 covering continued operational safety issues, then a second workshop on certification of engine parts. An ongoing issue is the acceptance of FAA-approved PMA parts in other countries, and this will be addressed on October 28 with a session on additional certification requirements for critical PMA parts in the European market. Michael Howard from consulting firm AeroStrategy will deliver an analysis of the PMA market and how it has been affected by the recession. And the FAA’s Frank Paskiewicz, manager of the production and airworthiness certification division, will help attendees understand new Part 21 regulations covering PMA part manufacturing, which take effect in April.