If aircraft records are lost or destroyed, what action is required to restore them?

When aircraft records are lost or destroyed, the appropriate action to restore them is for the owner/operator to make a notarized statement describing the loss. This process is important because such statements provide a formal declaration of the circumstances surrounding the loss, establishing the credibility and intent of the operator to restore the records appropriately.

This statement serves as a legal document that can help facilitate the re-establishment of the aircraft's history, which is essential for maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and ensuring safety. It also aids in documenting the situation should it be necessary to establish the aircraft's operational history in future transactions or inspections.

The other choices, while they each suggest actions that might be considered in related situations, do not address the specific requirement for formally restoring lost aircraft records. For instance, filing an insurance claim may not necessarily assist in the restoration of records, rebuilding the aircraft is not a feasible or relevant step to restore documentation, and contacting regulatory bodies for assistance does not take the place of the need for a notarized statement in this context.