In aviation, every component installed, every maintenance task, and every action need to be recorded accordingly. Why? Because when it comes to technical records, there is no room for documentary gaps.
What is Traceability?
Traceability is the ability to track the history, application, and or location of an item or activity. In aviation maintenance, it’s about knowing exactly where every component came from, when, how and by whom it was installed, and how it’s been maintained throughout its life cycle.
Why Does It Matter?
Safety First: Traceability ensures that every part used in an aircraft meets the required standards and is safe to use. Many parts in an aircraft are Hard Time Components, what means that a maintenance must be carried after determined flight hours, Cycles or Calendar time, and there is traceability plays a critical role to know exactly how much time it was installed.
Regulatory Compliance: The aviation industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world. Organizations like EASA or FAA require detailed records for every aspect of aircraft maintenance. Without proper traceability, compliance becomes nearly impossible. There is where Technical Logbooks, back to birth trace and certificates enters to the game.
Accountability: In aviation, every action taken by a technician is recorded. This not only holds everyone accountable but also ensures that any potential issues can be traced back to their source and rectified.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: When you know the history of every part, you can make informed decisions about when it needs to be replaced or serviced. This can save time, reduce costs, and prevent unnecessary downtime. On top of that, in the industry, the “Second-Hand” market is more extensive than people use to think, and a component without a correct traceability can lose up to 80% of its value.
In Summary
Traceability isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a crucial part of maintaining the safety and reliability of our aircraft. By ensuring that every part and process is documented, we can keep the aircraft airworthy and our operations running smoothly.
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