Know the scope.
Understand the next step.

The first conversation

Send the aircraft details, the requested work, known discrepancies and your timing goals. Records and photographs can help establish a starting point. Confirm whether the next step is a shop evaluation, an inspection or a project-planning conversation.

An early discussion is not a final repair scope or a reserved service slot. The aircraft’s condition, access, equipment and records may need to be reviewed before the work can be defined.

Read the estimate in context

• Which inspection, diagnosis, installation or repair work is included?
• What labor, parts and materials are known, and which assumptions may change?
• Does any specialist work or testing need to be arranged separately?
• What items depend on inspection, access, compatibility review or parts availability?
• Who can approve a scope change, and how should the shop reach them?

Separate the decisions

Agree on how changes will be handled

Before work begins, confirm the approved scope, spending boundaries and the owner contact responsible for decisions. If findings lead to additional work, discuss the reason, proposed scope, parts and schedule before authorizing the change.

Keep the approval contact reachable while the aircraft is in the shop. A clear written understanding helps prevent confusion when a decision is needed.

Parts & timing

Inspection findings, aircraft access, equipment selection, installation requirements and parts availability can affect timing. Discuss any planned trip early, and confirm the schedule and collection arrangements directly with the shop as the work progresses.

At completion

• Review the invoice and the work completed against the agreed scope.
• Confirm the applicable maintenance records and supporting documentation.
• Discuss any remaining findings, operating information or future maintenance recommendations.
• Coordinate collection and check which records, keys and owner items are being returned.