Your document management glossary

Document retention refers to the policies and regulations that define how long documents must be kept before they are archived or deleted. In aviation, retention periods are often dictated by authorities like EASA, FAA, or ICAO, and vary depending on document type — such as maintenance records, operational manuals, or training logs.

Having a structured document retention policy ensures regulatory compliance, reduces legal risk, and supports efficient document management. Web Manuals allows organizations to set custom retention rules, automate reminders, and maintain a clear record of document lifecycle events — from creation to disposal.