While business aircraft are ideally ready and available to transport their owners at short notice to wherever they need to go, whenever they need to fly, the unexpected could always happen; an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation, where parts fail or sudden mechanical faults develop, essentially grounding the aircraft. Tim Ferrell, Senior Vice President for Technical Services at JSSI, recently spoke with AvBuyer on considerations when selecting an AOG service provider to ensure your jet is returned to air as quickly as possible.

Key Questions to Ask Potential AOG Support Providers

AOG maintenance can be highly demanding and urgent work, with the business aircraft unable to operate until it can secure the maintenance it needs.

As such, there is one obvious first question that all aircraft operators should ask potential maintenance support providers, says Ferrell: How quickly can they get here?

But finding the best service provider often means digging a little deeper, Ferrell adds. In remote locations, operators will often rely on Mobile Repair Teams (MRTs). When you need MRTs, “It’s critical to ensure they are factory trained or have relevant experience to work on the specific make/model in question,” he notes.

Ferrell also highlights a range of other areas to check and clarify before engaging an AOG maintenance provider. For example, aircraft operators should ask if there are call-out fees, higher hourly rates, or additional costs associated with MRT dispatch, he highlights.

If there is no existing relationship between the parties, seek to confirm what payment terms will apply.

Additionally, if the aircraft is still in the new aircraft warranty period with the OEM, check if the AOG provider can administer OEM warranty. And for Part 135 [Charter] aircraft, ensure they can satisfy all compliance requirements.

“If the aircraft/asset is covered by an hourly cost maintenance program, can they work directly with that service provider?” Ferrell asks. “And can they provide the necessary release certification for your country of registration?”

Aircraft Type and Age can Impact the AOG Focus

Ferrell reckons model-specific training is more important than having experience with older jets, though it is important to consider the warranty status of any recently overhauled asset, such as engine, APU, or component.

Most MROs and their MRTs specialize in particular manufacturers and models, Ferrell says. OEM shops and their approved network of suppliers should always be considered, but the best way forward depends on the situation, Ferrell argues.

“There are plenty of factors to weigh: technician availability, MRT proximity to the aircraft, and special tooling requirements often determine the most suitable service option,” he adds.

AOG: Where Timing is Everything

It is important for operators to understand factors that can impact event turnaround time and an aircraft’s return to service, Ferrell continues.

“Generally, the industry is still feeling the effects of the post-Covid supply chain constraints, and technician skilled labor shortages are still a concern,” he highlights. “MRTs are in high demand and are a great option. Allowing for some flexibility helps service providers best support all AOG requests.”

Read the full story here.

JSSI can help plan for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and has a dedicated AOG support team. Learn more about our hourly cost maintenance programs and get in touch with the team here.