DA Form 2408-17: Aircraft Inventory Record Guide

DA Form 2408-17: Aircraft Inventory Record Guide – DA Form 2408-17, officially titled the Aircraft Inventory Record, is a critical document in the U.S. Army’s aviation maintenance system. It serves as a detailed checklist for tracking equipment and components assigned to a specific aircraft. This form ensures accountability, readiness, and compliance with Army regulations for all Army aircraft.

Maintained under DA PAM 738-751 (Functional Users Manual for the Army Maintenance Management System – Aviation), the form helps units manage mission-essential, loose, and special equipment. It is a key part of the TAMMS-A (The Army Maintenance Management System – Aviation).

Download the official DA Form 2408-17 here:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A2408_17.pdf

What Is DA Form 2408-17 Used For?

The primary purpose of DA Form 2408-17 is to provide a standardized checklist of inventoriable items assigned to an aircraft. It records:

  • All property (such as fly-away equipment) assigned to the aircraft.
  • Additions and deletions of mission-specific or role equipment.
  • Loose equipment delivered with the aircraft.
  • Items subject to pilferage or readily convertible to personal use.
  • Modification kits (until installed).
  • Equipment required for special environments.

It does not cover basic airframe components (e.g., engines, rotors, standard instruments), expendable items, technical publications, or personal issue gear.

This form supports aircraft accountability during transfers, storage, and routine operations, helping prevent loss of critical equipment and ensuring mission capability.

Key Features of the DA Form 2408-17

The form (November 1991 edition) includes sections such as:

  • Aircraft Identification: Serial number, model, and area/name.
  • Equipment Checklist: Item number, nomenclature, quantity required, and multiple check number columns (typically up to 12) for periodic verifications.
  • Verification: Spaces for check number, name/PID, rank, and date (front and reverse).
  • Location or Remarks: Detailed notes on item placement or additional comments.

It is a two-sided form designed for repeated use during inventories.

When to Perform Aircraft Inventory Using DA Form 2408-17?

Inventories against the DA Form 2408-17 are required at these times:

  • Upon receipt of a new aircraft.
  • Prior to transfer of the aircraft to another organization.
  • When placing the aircraft into or removing it from storage (no inventory needed while in storage).
  • Every 12 months since the last inventory.
  • For loose equipment shipped separately—upon dispatch and receipt.

Qualified personnel (often MOS-qualified aviation maintenance soldiers) must conduct these inventories.

How to Fill Out DA Form 2408-17?

Follow procedures in DA PAM 738-751 for accurate completion:

  1. Enter aircraft details in the header (serial number, model, etc.).
  2. List inventoriable items with item number, nomenclature, and quantity required.
  3. During each inventory, mark the appropriate check number column.
  4. Use the verification section to document the person performing the check (name/PID, rank, date).
  5. Note locations or remarks on the reverse as needed.
  6. Ensure entries are legible, using authorized writing instruments per the pamphlet.

Samples of completed forms are available in DA PAM 738-751. Always cross-reference the specific aircraft technical manual for the authorized inventory list.

Importance in Army Aviation Maintenance

Proper use of DA Form 2408-17 contributes to:

  • Accountability — Tracks sensitive and high-value equipment.
  • Readiness — Ensures all mission-essential items are present and accounted for.
  • Compliance — Meets requirements of AR 750-1, DA PAM 738-751, and other maintenance directives.
  • Audit and Transfer Readiness — Provides a clear historical record during aircraft movements or inspections.

Units should integrate this form with other 2408-series records (e.g., 2408-13 series for status and maintenance, 2408-18 for inspection lists).

Best Practices for Managing DA Form 2408-17

  • Keep the form with the aircraft records or in the forms packet.
  • Perform inventories systematically and document any discrepancies immediately.
  • Update for equipment changes (additions/deletions) promptly.
  • Use electronic systems where authorized, but maintain the physical form as required.
  • Train personnel on DA PAM 738-751 procedures to ensure consistency.
  • Review during command inspections and maintenance terrain walks.
  • DA Form 2408-13 Series: Aircraft status and maintenance records.
  • DA Form 2408-18: Equipment Inspection List.
  • DA Form 2408-16 Series: Component historical records.
  • DD Form 365 Series: Weight and balance records.

Maintaining accurate records across these forms is essential for safe and effective aircraft operations.

For the most current guidance, consult the latest version of DA PAM 738-751 and your unit’s aviation maintenance SOP. Always use the official form from Army Publishing Directorate.

Download DA Form 2408-17 PDF:
https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A2408_17.pdf

This article is for informational purposes and based on publicly available U.S. Army publications. Policies may be updated; verify with official sources.