Two quotes for the same aircraft part number can look nothing alike: one says “outright,” another says “exchange plus core,” a third offers to overhaul your unit. This guide explains each option, the condition codes on a quote, and how core charges work, so you can compare quotes on equal terms.

Condition Codes You Will See on a Quote

NE – New: factory-new part from the manufacturer or an approved source.
NS – New Surplus: new, never-installed part from surplus stock, sometimes of older manufacture.
OH – Overhauled: disassembled, inspected and restored to the manufacturer’s overhaul standard by a repair station.
SV – Serviceable: inspected and/or tested and found serviceable by a repair station.
RP – Repaired: a specific repair was performed and released.
IN – Inspected/Tested: inspected or bench-tested and released, without overhaul.
AR – As Removed: removed from an aircraft with no new release. It usually needs inspection or overhaul before installation.

Always read the condition together with the release document. See FAA Form 8130-3 Explained for what the release should show.

Outright Purchase

You buy the unit and keep your old one. There is no core to return and no core charge. For rotable components this is usually the highest price, but it is the simplest option, and it is the right choice when you have no unit to trade or want a spare on the shelf.

Exchange

You receive an overhauled or serviceable unit now and send your removed unit, the core, back after installation. You pay the exchange price, plus a core charge that is credited or refunded when an acceptable core arrives within the return window on your quote. Exchange keeps aircraft downtime short, which is why it is common for starters, alternators, magnetos, fuel servos, governors, vacuum pumps, instruments and landing gear components.

Read the exchange terms carefully. A core that arrives late, is missing parts, or is found beyond economical repair (BER) can be billed additional charges.

Overhaul or Repair of Your Own Unit

You send your unit to a repair station and get the same serial number back. The final cost depends on what the shop finds inside, and the aircraft is down while the work is done. Owners often choose this for propellers and other components where they want to keep the same serial number and records.

Before you send a propeller or engine accessory for overhaul, check the manufacturer’s overhaul periods. For McCauley propellers they are in Service Bulletin 137, and for Hartzell propellers in Service Letter HC-SL-61-61Y.

How Core Charges Work

The core charge is listed separately from the exchange price on the quote.
It is credited or refunded when your core arrives in acceptable condition within the stated window.
Ship the core in the packaging the replacement arrived in, with its paperwork, and tell the seller the tracking number.
A core that is beyond economical repair, damaged in shipping or incomplete can reduce or cancel the credit.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Aircraft on ground and time matters: exchange, or outright if no core is available.
You want to keep your serial number: overhaul or repair of your own unit.
Building a spares pool or unsure of your core’s condition: outright.
Lowest total cost with planned downtime: compare overhaul of your unit against exchange plus the expected core credit.

Comparing Two Quotes

Line quotes up on the same basis: the same condition code, the same release document (for example an FAA 8130-3), the core return window and BER terms, warranty, lead time, and shipping, including hazmat charges for batteries and fluids.

Aviation Parts Executive quotes new, overhauled and exchange parts, and can arrange overhaul or repair of your unit through approved repair stations. Browse propellers and propeller parts or engine parts, or call, text or WhatsApp +1 (954) 493-5088 with your part number.

Outright, Exchange or Overhaul: How Aircraft Part Pricing Works