A320
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Manuals; Aircraft
After working full shift; I was dispatched to ZZZ to recover aircraft. I was told it was a lightning strike event and was told to inspect aircraft and map out damage. During [the] drive I was contacted by maintenance control to confirm we were to document any damage and engineering was prepared to give 40 hour limit for each rivet damaged if needed. Contract maintenance found approx. 10 damaged rivets. I inspected aircraft on and off through the night into early morning due to periods of rain and wind. After completion; our duty time was nearing; so I documented that the inspection was completed and also documented additional damaged rivets totaling 50 in the aircraft ELB (Electronic Log Book). I was told by the maintenance controller that he would defer all damage himself and also release the airplane into service. It was my knowledge that the aircraft was to ferry [out] for repair. After rest period; I learned that the aircraft was currently flying subsequent flights around the country. When returning to work from days off; I was approached by my [Union Representative] that the aircraft was down in ZZZ1 for maintenance addressing the damaged rivets.
The reporter stated that he is an A&P mechanic and was called out to perform an inspection of an aircraft that had a lightning strike. The reporter stated the local FBO was used for a preliminary inspection and he completed the inspection and found numerous damaged rivets. He then confirmed with Maintenance Control the completion of all the required documentation. The reporter also stated the aircraft continued in service for a few more days until it was routed into a maintenance station where the required repairs were made.
Maintenance Technician reported that over 50 rivets were found damaged on an A320 due to lightning strikes. The aircraft continued to fly without proper maintenance action.