Maintenance Programmes and Records
The programme and the paper trail
The maintenance programme defines scheduled tasks and intervals. It is derived from the manufacturer's maintenance planning document, the MRB report, ADs and the operator's own experience, and is approved or accepted by DGCA. Tasks are categorised (e.g. line, base, component, structural) and intervals may be adjusted only within approved rules.
Records are the evidence that the programme was carried out. Candidates must know what is recorded, by whom, and for how long: certificates of release to service, task cards, component histories, AD compliance records, modifications, mass and balance, and defect records. Retention periods are prescribed - commonly, records relating to the aircraft and life-limited parts are kept for the life of the aircraft, while other records are kept for defined shorter periods.
Traps
A common trap is assuming the manufacturer's schedule can be varied freely. Interval escalation or task deletion requires approved justification. Another trap is confusing task cards (working documents) with the CRS (the certifying document). A third is the life-limited part record: it must follow the part and be retained for the life of the aircraft, not discarded at the next check.
Worked example
If a question asks how long life-limited part records are kept, the safe answer is: for the life of the aircraft (or until the part is permanently removed and the record closed under the approved procedure). Rule of thumb: if it affects airworthiness or a life limit, keep it long.