To reconstruct lost or destroyed aircraft maintenance records, what must be established?

To reconstruct lost or destroyed aircraft maintenance records, establishing the total time-in-service of the airframe is crucial. This piece of information is vital because it provides a basis for understanding the wear and tear that the aircraft has undergone. Time-in-service directly correlates with maintenance schedules and intervals required for major inspections, component replacements, and general upkeep.

Knowing the total time-in-service allows maintenance personnel to determine what specific maintenance may be needed based on the manufacturer's guidelines and the regulatory requirements. This approach ensures that the aircraft is airworthy and meets safety standards, as certain inspections and maintenance procedures are mandated at specific flight hour milestones.

While having the complete history of the aircraft, details on previous owners, or the original purchase price may be beneficial for context or valuation, they do not serve the central role that total time-in-service does when it comes to safety and regulatory compliance in the reconstruction of maintenance records. Thus, focusing on the overall operational time is the most critical factor in reconstructing and maintaining aircraft safety standards.