PSC 1520

Overview

The Product Service Code system is a governmentwide taxonomy that classifies products and services purchased by U.S. agencies in systems such as FPDS and SAM. Maintained through the PSC Manual, these codes standardize reporting and enable analysis of federal spending across categories and time. ¹
PSC 1520 (“Aircraft, Rotary Wing”) is a product code used only for complete rotary‑wing aircraft. The PSC Manual notes this class includes helicopters and excludes end items, assemblies, parts, attachments, or accessories for use in or on rotary‑wing aircraft; those are coded elsewhere. ¹

What this PSC covers

• Complete rotary‑wing aircraft as the deliverable end item on a contract action. ¹
• Helicopters procured as finished platforms, whether assembled or unassembled at delivery. ¹
• Rotary‑wing aircraft purchases recorded in FPDS where the predominant deliverable is a finished aircraft. ¹
• Acquisitions requiring a PSC that distinguishes rotary‑wing from fixed‑wing platforms (see PSC 1510). ¹
• Programs where component spares are not the principal deliverable; components and accessories are coded outside PSC 1520 (e.g., PSC 1615, PSC 1560). ¹
• Excludes unmanned aircraft; drones are classified under PSC 1550. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	1510	Aircraft, Fixed Wing
PSC	1615	Helicopter Rotor Blades, Drive Mechanisms and Components
PSC	1560	Airframe Structural Components
NAICS	336411	Aircraft Manufacturing (manufacturing/assembling complete aircraft)

Coding boundaries and adjacent services

• Maintenance, overhaul, or rebuild of aircraft/airframes use PSC J015, not PSC 1520. ¹
• Aircraft modifications to installed equipment/airframes use PSC K015; do not code such work under PSC 1520. ¹
• Lease or rental of aircraft/equipment use PSC W015, not PSC 1520. ¹
• Contracts involving flight operations risk often incorporate DFARS Ground and Flight Risk clause 252.228‑7001; clause usage depends on contract terms, not PSC selection. ⁴

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC 1520 mean in federal reporting?
  PSC 1520 designates “Aircraft, Rotary Wing” and is used solely for complete aircraft. The PSC Manual states this class includes helicopters and excludes parts, attachments, or accessories that belong in other PSCs. ¹

• Does PSC 1520 cover drones or uncrewed helicopters?
  No. Unmanned aircraft are coded under PSC 1550. PSC 1520 is reserved for complete rotary‑wing aircraft and explicitly excludes accessories or parts. ¹

• Which NAICS codes most commonly align with PSC 1520 manufacturing buys?
  Manufacturers of complete aircraft generally fall under NAICS 336411, which covers manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft and prototype work. Related supply‑chain industries include NAICS 336412 and NAICS 336413 for engines and parts. ²

• Where are helicopter rotor blades and drive components coded?
  These components are classified under PSC 1615 (Helicopter Rotor Blades, Drive Mechanisms and Components), not under PSC 1520, which is limited to complete aircraft. ¹

• Is aircraft leasing captured under PSC 1520?
  No. Lease or rental actions use PSC W015. PSC 1520 applies when the government buys a complete rotary‑wing aircraft, not when leasing equipment. ¹

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC 1520 overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/1520
• Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual, April 2025 (PDF). ¹
• PSC April 2025 (master spreadsheet). ³
• DFARS 252.228‑7001 Ground and Flight Risk. ⁴
• NAICS 33641 series overview and industry definitions (includes 336411/336412/336413). ²

References

1. Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual, April 2025 (PDF), acquisition.gov. https://login.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. U.S. Census Bureau, NAICS 33641/336411/336412/336413 definitions. https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect31-33.html
3. PSC April 2025.xlsx, acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/content/psc-april-2025.xlsx
4. DFARS 252.228‑7001 Ground and Flight Risk, acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/252.228-7001-ground-and-flight-risk