DA Form 2408-13-3: Aircraft Technical Inspection Worksheet – The DA Form 2408-13-3, officially titled the Aircraft Technical Inspection Worksheet, is a critical document in U.S. Army aviation maintenance. It supports the Army Maintenance Management System – Aviation (TAMMS-A) by recording technical inspection results for aircraft, components, and related equipment.
This form ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and detailed tracking of faults, deficiencies, and corrective actions. It is referenced in DA PAM 738-751 (Functional Users Manual for the Army Maintenance Management System – Aviation).
Download the official DA Form 2408-13-3 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A2408_13_3.pdf
What Is DA Form 2408-13-3?
The DA Form 2408-13-3 is a standardized worksheet used by U.S. Army personnel to document technical inspections. Technical inspectors (often at AVUM or AVIM levels) use it to record faults and deficiencies found during inspections of aircraft, aviation-associated equipment, repair parts, components, and modules.
It forms part of the aircraft’s Flight Pack (along with DA Form 2408, 2408-13-1, and 2408-13-2) and becomes a numbered page in the logbook when used for aircraft inspections. The form supports both scheduled/unscheduled maintenance and component repair documentation.
Key purposes include:
- Recording faults/deficiencies identified by Quality Control (QC) technical inspectors.
- Documenting checks, services, and results from MWOs, SOF messages, ASAMs, or technical bulletins.
- Supporting initial and final inspections on components/modules sent for repair.
Purpose and Importance in Army Aviation
Accurate use of the DA Form 2408-13-3 maintains aircraft airworthiness, ensures traceability of maintenance actions, and supports mission readiness. It helps clear status symbols (e.g., Red X for grounding conditions), tracks man-hours, and provides a permanent record for audits and safety investigations.
Proper documentation prevents Foreign Object Damage (FOD) incidents through reminders on the form and ensures compliance with AR 95-1 and DA PAM 738-751. It is essential for phased maintenance, periodic inspections, and component repair cycles in U.S. Army aviation units.
Key Sections of the DA Form 2408-13-3
The form is divided into clear sections for efficient recording:
- Header Information: Organization, Model, Serial Number, Type Inspection.
- Part I – Fault Information: Includes status symbols, date/time discovered, faults/remarks, when discovered codes, malfunction effect (Mal Eff), etc.
- Part II – Correcting Information: Action codes, Work Unit Code (WUC), delay codes, technician PID (Personnel Identifier), category, hours, corrective actions, and TI (Technical Inspector) man-hours.
- FOD Reminder: Emphasizes checking the work area for tools and parts after maintenance.
The layout allows multiple fault entries and corresponding corrections on a single sheet.
How to Fill Out DA Form 2408-13-3 (Step-by-Step)?
Always refer to the latest DA PAM 738-751 for detailed block-by-block instructions. Use black ballpoint pen for hard copies.
- Complete Header: Enter Organization, Model, Serial Number, and Type of Inspection.
- Part I (Fault Information): Record the discovery details, status symbol (e.g., Red X, Circle X), date/time, aircraft hours, and a clear description of the fault/remark. Use appropriate “When Discovered” and “Mal Eff” codes.
- Part II (Correcting Information): Document the corrective action taken, action code (e.g., A=Replaced, B=Adjusted), WUC, PID of the performer and inspector, time/hours expended, and date completed.
- Technical Inspector Verification: The TI verifies corrections and enters their details.
- FOD Check: Confirm the area is clear.
For component repairs, the form often accompanies the item to the shop and is used for initial/final inspections. Related maintenance actions may use DA Form 2408-13-2.
Pro Tip: Enter “Insp OK” or “Insp Compl” when no faults are found or after faults are documented. Use “N/A” for non-applicable items.
When to Use DA Form 2408-13-3?
- During technical inspections (scheduled or unscheduled).
- For Quality Control checks on aircraft and components.
- To document MWO application, special inspections, or technical bulletin compliance.
- For initial inspection of items sent to support maintenance (AVIM).
- As part of phase maintenance or progressive maintenance programs.
It integrates with other 2408-series forms (e.g., 2408-13 for status, 2408-13-1 for inspection records).
Best Practices and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Be specific and legible in fault descriptions.
- Always use authorized codes from DA PAM 738-751.
- Ensure status symbols are properly cleared after corrective actions.
- Double-check PIDs, times, and aircraft hours for accuracy.
- Retain forms as required (they often become part of permanent records or flight packs).
- Perform and document the FOD check religiously.
Common errors include incomplete fields, missing inspector signatures/verification, or incorrect action codes.
Download and Resources
Official Download: DA Form 2408-13-3 PDF from Army Publishing Directorate.
Primary Reference: DA PAM 738-751 (latest edition) – the authoritative source for procedures.
U.S. Army aviation maintenance personnel should consult their unit’s SOPs and the most current version of the pamphlet, as procedures can be updated.
This form remains a cornerstone of safe and effective Army aircraft maintenance. Proper use directly supports operational readiness and the safety of Army aircrews. For training or specific scenarios, reach out to your unit’s technical inspector or aviation maintenance officer.