In aviation, what is a "paper trail"?

Answer 1

well in certified aircraft, every part has to be certified as airworthy, it has to be type certificated for the particular air plane or component that it is going on, So a part, even a bolt, has to be purchased from an approved manufacturer and is sold with the documentation that proves it is the correct part and that it has been manufactured by an approved manufacturer and no unauthorized people or parts have had anything to do with it. All this documentation is the paper trail that a specific part can be traced back to either its original manufacture, or in the case of larger components be traced back to it's last major overhaul with a complete history of exactly who worked on it, what their qualifications were, what parts they might have changed and where those parts came from.

pilot and retired aircraft inspection supervisor for 30 years

Answer 2

LOL...as the pilot in command of a charter jet, the paper trail is something that can get me in trouble if its not all done correctly. Each flight, the crew must be signed off by the chief pilot, then the PIC must sign for the aircraft and accept that it is airworthy. Every minute detail of the flight must be checked from weather to runway conditions to weight and balance of the aircraft. Flight plans must be filed accordingly and sometimes even setting up a "Slot Reservation" for high traffic airports, JFK - LAX - DFW. This way, in case of any emergency, even if its as inane as blowing a tire on taxi or takeoff, the NTSB and FAA can make sure that everyone was following proper procedure/protocol.

In the end, the responsibility of all of this lies with the pilot in command. Make sure when you accept that fourth stripe, you know this!!!

Answer 3

A paer trail relates to every document or form for any aircraft and flight that occurs. It allows a pilot or circraft to e traced by the relevant authority. If there is incorrect or incomplete paper work the the individuals or company could be in serious trouble if they are investigated. It all comes down to covering your ***.

Answer 4

A paper trail is the flight plan I throw out after I close it..

If you mean vapor trail, Contrails or vapour trails are condensation trails and artificial cirrus clouds made by the exhaust of aircraft engines or wingtip vortices which precipitate a stream of tiny ice crystals in moist, frigid upper air. It can also be Condensation from wing-tip pressure or Condensation from engine exhaust. Often on high humidity days, you'll see a contrail behind an aircraft that is creating lift...

Answer 5

Well if u look at what my name means i would say it's a trail of toilet paper down the airplane floor for safety. LOL

Answer 6

In addition to what Al B wrote, it might also be the chain of ownership and/or certification.

Answer 7

As they say with ever airline flight another tree dies.

Answer 8

I think you mean vapor trail.