Aircraft Technical Log
frequentflyer2, Quote:- "Couldn't a system be introduced whereby someone has to tick a box and sign their name beside it to say they've checked to ensure these bits of the engines are securely in position before the aircraft leaves its stand. This would ensure a manual check was made before each and every flight."
Such a system is already in place and is more robust than a tick in the box, as mentioned by diginagain. However, I have never seen the system in use for engine cowlings, but it could work like this:-
A defect is entered in the Aircraft Technical Log to the effect that the engine cowlings have been opened.
When the cowlings have been closed and checked secure a statement to that effect is entered into the rectification part of the Aircraft Technical Log. The engineer or inspector responsible signs for the rectification , along with his/her licence or approval number and a new Certificate of Release is signed.
This is pretty much how defects are managed - varies a bit from one Operator to another.
It does require the maintenance staff to retrieve the Aircraft Technical Log from the cockpit or the line office to make this entry and as we have read and I have witnessed, they are usually pressed for time.
It is just a thought, though.