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RETURN TO SERVICE

Sign the release with nothing missing.

A release signed with a missing 8130-3, an RII nobody bought back or an open squawk is a violation, so Radar keeps the release locked until each one is fixed.

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The return to service check for the N971MC 600 hour inspection in Radar: release blocked, waiting on the RII inspector to buy back card 27-10-01, with cards signed, parts tagged and the 135.443 release locked

THE PROBLEM

One return to service, spread across six places.

Before an aircraft flies again, the DOM has to tie every piece below to the same work order, by hand. When one piece is missed, it usually turns up at the next audit.

  • The due listCAMP or a spreadsheet
  • The estimate and the findingsA PDF, then email threads with the shop
  • The work order authorizationSigned on paper or in DocuSign
  • Log pages and 8130-3 tagsEmail attachments, chased one by one
  • The releaseTyped and signed on paper
  • FilingA shared folder, named by hand

ONE VISIT, START TO FINISH

Follow one aircraft from going down to the logbook entry.

  1. Step 1 of 8

    Going down

    The DOM names the shop, the dates and the event. Radar counts the days down and flags what is not set up yet, like a shop off the approved vendor list.

    The Aircraft and shop step for N971MC, a Challenger 300, at Kestrel Ridge Aviation Services: down since 10 Oct, with two items to set up

  2. Step 2 of 8

    Work

    The DOM adds due items and squawks to the visit. Radar names anything coming due before the next visit that would be left off.

    The Work step: the cards on this visit with their shop, technician and stage, all signed off, and the items not on it

  3. Step 3 of 8

    Authorization

    The DOM and the shop each sign the work order authorization. On a Part 135 aircraft, Radar holds the release until both have.

    The Authorization step: the Kestrel Ridge work order KR26-0418, signed for the operator and signed for the shop

  4. Step 4 of 8

    Estimate

    The DOM approves, rejects or defers each line, with a reason for a no. Radar flags any line it is unsure of, and an airworthiness item can only be deferred.

    The Estimate step: 8 of 8 lines answered, grouped as planned, known and found by the shop, each priced, with line 2.4 rejected and on the NEF list

  5. Step 5 of 8

    Paperwork

    The DOM drops the shop's files on the visit and each entry lands on its card. Radar flags a missing 8130-3 or a serial that does not match the part installed.

    The Work and paperwork step: each card beside the shop entry that matches it, all signed, with a note that the shop owes a new estimate version

  6. Step 6 of 8

    Check

    The DOM reads each task against its estimate line, entry and due item. Radar names what holds the release and who has to act, and refuses the release until it clears.

    The Check step: nothing holds the release, 12 of 12 rules done, and a table of each task by estimate, work, due list and state

  7. Step 7 of 8

    Release

    The DOM signs in Radar with their password. Radar takes the name and certificate number from the certificate on file, and refuses a signer without a current one.

    The Release step: the 135.443 release statement with the signer's certificate and return to service authorization, 8 of 8 cards signed and 1 of 1 RII signed

  8. Step 8 of 8

    Close-out

    The DOM confirms the logbook entry is made. Radar keeps the visit open until the records are written, the due list has moved and that entry is confirmed.

    The Done step: released to service, with records written, the due list moved and the logbook and CAMP update confirmed, above the sealed record

Coming next

  • Importing the CAMP due list as the baseline, beyond the comparison.

WHAT GETS RECONCILED

What Radar matches before anyone signs.

CheckWhat Radar does todayHolds the release
Every task has a signed entry A card counts as done when it is signed in Radar or a signed shop entry matches it. Yes
Nothing due is left off Anything on the due list that comes due before the next visit and is not on a work order is named, until it is added or a person rules on it. Yes
Work done that was not on the work order Work in the shop's paperwork with no card on the order is listed for the DOM to rule on. Yes, until the DOM rules
Tags match the part and serial numbers Each 8130-3 is compared with the installed part by part number and serial number. A missing tag holds the release, and a serial that does not match is flagged for the shop. Missing tag: yes
The due list is updated Each signed card resets its due item from the card's date, hours and cycles. Does not apply

WHO DOES WHAT

Each person does their part, and Radar holds the line.

RoleWhat they do in RadarWhat Radar checks
Pilot Writes up squawks from the aircraft. A grounding item cannot be deferred, and an MEL item keeps its limit.
DOM Plans the work order, answers each estimate line and decides off-order work. A rejected or deferred line needs a reason, and an airworthiness item can only be deferred.
Owner Approves findings over the operator's limit from an emailed link. Signs by typing their name. Radar keeps the time and what they approved.
Shop Sends the estimate, then the log pages and 8130-3s. A shop entry counts only when it is signed and matches a card.
Mechanic Signs each card with the work done. A current A&P or repairman certificate for the role.
Inspector Buys back required inspection items. Refused if they signed as technician or ticked a step on the card.
Records Attaches the shop package, asks the shop for missing tags and records the hours. Every installed part has a tag on file.
Signer Signs the 135.443 release. No rule blocking. Signing in Radar, a current certificate and return to service authorization.

WHAT RADAR CHECKS

The rules behind the gate.

  • Every task has a signed entry with the certificate number14 CFR 43.9(a), 43.11(a)
  • The work is done and recorded14 CFR 91.407(a)
  • Every installed part has its 8130-3 on file14 CFR 43.13(b), AC 20-62E
  • Required inspections bought back by someone who did none of the work14 CFR 135.429(c)
  • Every squawk closed, or deferred inside its MEL limit14 CFR 91.213, 135.179
  • The signer holds a current certificate and authorization14 CFR 65.85 to 65.95, 135.443(a)

The whole workflow, from the due list to the filed package: How to return an aircraft to service