FAA warns of unapproved 3D-printed cockpit accessories sold for certified aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an Unapproved Parts Notification covering a range of 3D-printed cockpit and interior accessories sold by an individual doing business as MadeByMike3D. According to the agency, the items were sold between May 2024 and August 2025 for installation on type-certificated aircraft without the necessary approval or authorization.

The affected products are mostly minor accessories rather than structural or safety-critical parts. They include cup holders designed for Beechcraft Bonanza, Debonair and Grumman aircraft, along with headset holders, windshield shades, defroster vent components and yoke grips. The FAA said the notice does not cover engine, propeller, structural or aerodynamic parts, and it has not reported any failures or incidents connected to the items.

The concern raised by the agency relates to certification status rather than any known defect. FAA regulations generally require a Parts Manufacturer Approval for replacement or modification parts that are produced for sale and fitted to certificated aircraft, though some exceptions exist, including for parts an owner produces for their own use.

The FAA is asking aircraft owners, maintenance organizations and parts suppliers to check their aircraft and stock for the listed items. Any found should be quarantined until their eligibility for installation can be confirmed, the agency said.