What is the first step required to reconstruct lost or destroyed aircraft maintenance records?

The first step in reconstructing lost or destroyed aircraft maintenance records is to establish the total time-in-service of the airframe. This foundational data is critical because it provides a baseline for the aircraft's operational history and helps determine when specific maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs should have occurred based on the airframe’s usage. Knowing the total time-in-service also aids in understanding the wear and tear on various components and assists in planning necessary future maintenance.

While other actions, such as consulting previous maintenance personnel, inspecting aircraft components, and verifying manufacturer maintenance protocols, are also important in the overall process of record reconstruction, these steps typically come after the total time-in-service has been established. Understanding the aircraft's total time ensures that any additional findings or consultations are contextualized correctly against the aircraft's operational history.