What is the role of spare parts control in a maintenance shop?

• A. To assign tasks to technicians.
• B. To perform flight testing.
• C. To design new parts.
• D. To manage inventory, ensure availability of required parts, and maintain traceability.

Answer: (D)

Spare parts control centers on making sure the right parts are on hand when maintenance needs them and that every part’s identity and history are traceable from supplier to installation. This means managing inventory levels, locating parts, issuing them to work orders, and recording critical details like part numbers, serial or lot numbers, and conformity documentation. By maintaining accurate stock and full traceability, the shop can plan work effectively, reduce downtime, and stay compliant with airworthiness requirements.

Other activities like assigning tasks to technicians belong to planning and supervision, flight testing is done during aircraft verification, and designing new parts is the realm of engineering. These are separate functions from keeping parts available and traceable.