Definition
A cost detail report is an itemized financial document that breaks down the individual expenses associated with an aircraft operation, maintenance task, training activity, or aviation program, showing how a total cost is composed of its component charges.
Plain English
A line-by-line list showing exactly what each part of a job or operation cost, so you can see where the money went rather than just a single total.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation administrative paperwork, billing, project records, or FAA-related documents; it is not a cockpit control, flight procedure, or radio instruction.
Derivation
From 'cost' (what is paid), 'detail' (each item shown separately), and 'report' (a written summary). The name describes the document directly: a report giving the details of costs.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and aircraft owners use cost detail reports to verify charges on rental, maintenance, and training invoices, to track operating expenses, and to support tax or business records.
Intuition Check
Do not assume CDR always means the same thing everywhere. In this FAA acronym context, CDR means cost detail report: a breakdown of costs.
Example Sentence 1
After the 100-hour inspection, the maintenance shop sent a cost detail report listing parts, labor, and shop supplies separately.
Example Sentence 2
The owner used the CDR to compare maintenance expenses between two aircraft.