Jets of all types require a lot of attention in order to maintain their level of safety and security both in the sky and on the ground. After all, there are so many small parts that come together to create a functioning whole.
Routine maintenance, routine inspections, realignments, minor and major repairs, and so forth all need to be done to be in compliance with regulations – as well as be safe to fly.
While pilots always do their own inspections before a flight, it is up to a team of aviation maintenance technicians to ensure all is well and working properly.
What Does an Aviation Maintenance Technician Do?
To become aviation maintenance technicians, these individuals must attend school to gain the necessary training and skills to perform the job functions. They have to pass rigorous exams administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All of this is in preparation for the intricate and important work that they intend to do.
These technicians spend their time ensuring aircraft are taken care of by:
- Performing inspections of aircraft
- Troubleshoot issues and malfunctions
- Address and maintain flight control systems
- Handle all repairs and replacements of rotary wing assemblies
- Perform overhauls
- Make adjustments as necessary
But, let’s be real – just because a jet doesn’t have a major repair issue doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be examined or undergo routine maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape. Routine maintenance is a huge part of what an aviation maintenance technician does, especially when it comes to performing operational checks.
Maintaining proper records of all checks, maintenance, repairs, and more can help ensure that the jets are getting the care that they need – and that nothing is getting missed along the way.
Let’s take a closer look at why these technicians – and the routine maintenance they perform – are so important to the industry.
Reduce the Chance of Being Grounded
When an aircraft isn’t running properly, it is unsafe to fly. As a result, will often be grounded until any issues are addressed. Unfortunately, this leads to lost travel time – causing delayed or canceled flights, as well as financial losses and potential damage to your reputation.
By investing in professional routine aviation maintenance, you can reduce the chance of issues and keep your aircraft running in great shape. This will keep passengers happy, too.
Optimal Performance
If you don’t take care of your car, it doesn’t run as well as it should. For instance, not replacing spark plugs after so many miles could result in lower fuel mileage, and not replacing worn tires can lead to skidding and potentially an accident. Staying on top of routine maintenance for your car can improve its performance.
The same is true for jets. If you want them to run as they should, they need to be cared for routinely. They must have the little things done, such as operational checks before each flight. Besides, you wouldn’t go on a long road trip without checking your tires and oil, right?
By performing these steps, you can count on better performance from your aircraft – with fully efficient functioning.
Increased Safety
There is a risk involved with every mode of travel. Air travel is no exception. What better way to keep everyone safe than by performing routine aviation maintenance before a flight?
There is no need to take the jet apart each time it is ready to take off. Rather, making checks and inspections a priority is a great way to reduce any issues, such as mechanical or electrical failures. Thus, increasing the safety of passengers and flight crew.
Boost the Longevity of Your Jet
Private jets are not cheap. If you own one or have considered purchasing one, then you know this. These are not the type of machines you don’t take care of. If you want it to work well for you for years to come, then you want to take steps to boost the longevity of your jet.
How do you do this? Through routine maintenance.
The better you care for your jet, the longer it will last for you. There are many jets in use today that were manufactured decades ago. Sure, wear and tear will happen, but with the right maintenance crew, its impact will be minimal.
Reduced Chance of Major Repairs
Routine repairs are necessary to reduce the chance of major repairs. When your car starts making a noise as you drive, you get it checked by a mechanic. Not doing so may mean that you could ruin your transmission, for example. Instead of replacing a small part, you find yourself having to replace the entire transmission.
Major repairs can be costly, lead to a lot of time stuck on the group, and can impact the jet’s overall performance and longevity. Avoid finding yourself in this situation by investing in routine aviation maintenance.
In other words, address issues before they become bigger issues.
Routine Maintenance at Sun Air Jets
Because routine maintenance of your aircraft plays such a vital role in its ability to fly efficiently and safely for a long period of time, it is never recommended that you settle on your service. In this situation, you want to go for quality of service or cost of service. The well-being of your jet – and even your life – are at stake.
At Sun Air Jets, you can always rest easy knowing that flight safety is our top priority. Our maintenance team has achieved the four major industry safety standards and participates in voluntary, recurring maintenance training every two years. What’s more, we require our technicians to get OEM training so that they have certified factory training on all brands of aircraft we operate.
We take your safety, the safety of our flight crew, and our jets seriously. We are committed to only hiring the best of the best so that we can deliver the best results.
Perhaps maintaining such a strict focus on routine maintenance is how we have managed to maintain such an impressive safety record.
Buying a private jet is a significant investment. Whether purchasing it solely for personal use or considering using it for a charter jet, you want to provide it with the utmost care. And that means performing regular jet aircraft maintenance.
Just as a car needs routine oil changes and regular filter, tire, and brake replacements, so does your jet. And, since safety is a significant factor, this is not just a job for anyone. Instead, keep your aircraft running beautifully with first-rate jet aircraft maintenance in Van Nuys.
Who Performs Jet Aircraft Maintenance?
Generally speaking, the responsibility of private jet maintenance falls onto the owner or operator of that aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all owners to perform preventative maintenance on their jets. They must also sign off confirming maintenance completion.
On the other hand, commanding pilots ensure that the jet is in working order and safe for flying. In addition, the pilots should always keep an FAA-approved flight manual and a display of registration certificates and airworthiness inside the jet.
Everyone involved in maintaining a private jet should make it a point to stay on top of the latest news and regulations about the aircraft.
Routine Preventative Jet Aircraft Maintenance Schedule
Sec. 91.409 of the FAA’s Code of Federal Regulations provides a list of minimum requirements for annual and 100-hour inspections. The manufacturer of the airline is the one who sets the checklist of requirements for each scheduled maintenance. Below is an overview.
Daily and Pre-flight Inspections
The recommendation is that the owner or operator of an aircraft performs a thorough inspection of the jet. The assessment is essential if it has sat unused for some time. In addition to the daily checks, the procedure requires pilots do a preflight inspection before taking flight. Using a detailed checklist, including checking the cabin, nose, wings, and empennage, the pilot must ensure that it is airworthy.
Routine Hourly Inspections
Rather than miles on a car, regular maintenance for aircraft breaks down into 100-hour blocks of time. This inspection means for every 100 hours of operating time, and an inspection needs to occur. The examinations occur at the following:
- 100 hours
- 200 hours
- 400 hours
- 600 hours
- 800 hours
Though the inspections that need to occur at each interval will vary based on your jet type, some may include a simple check, while others may be more in-depth.
Annual Inspections
In addition to routine inspections, there is a yearly required checklist. And it needs to be performed by one of the following:
- A certified A&P mechanic that has the authorization to inspect
- The aircraft’s manufacturer
- A highly-rated, certified repair center
Time Between Overhaul
A time will come when certain parts of the jet will need to be replaced. This maintenance is done as a preventative measure. It allows you to change details before they have a chance to go wrong and jeopardize safety. This is known as a hot section inspection or HSI.
The manufacturer will set the specific timeframe for your particular jet, but the HSI usually takes 1,500 to 2,000 hours. During this inspection, all significant components of the plane will be examined, such as air compressors, combustion chambers, compression turbines, turbine-shroud segments, and temperature sensors. The maintenance crew will replace any aircraft that don’t meet these requirements.
This is an in-depth inspection that can last for at least a couple of days.
Full Overall
Last but not least, a complete overall review of your jet’s overall condition. One small thing can disrupt the entire aircraft – and create safety issues. This overview is why it is essential to thoroughly examine each part of the jet. It includes disassembling the rush, inspecting each part, and replacing those that are defective or have suffered wear and tear.
Extensive examination, testing, and more by a maintenance contract ensure that everything is in healthy working order.
Unscheduled Jet Aircraft Maintenance
While routine maintenance will help prevent more significant issues, especially if caught early, these inspection intervals don’t account for the time taken for unscheduled maintenance. If anything feels out of the ordinary, then be sure it gets checked out immediately.
Because these instances can happen unexpectedly, having a reliable service team is essential. Any good maintenance team should be able to handle all aspects of your jet.
Sun Air Jets Maintenance Service
What if you purchased a private jet for your traveling pleasure – and never wanted the responsibility of caring for it? What if you don’t know everything involved in maintaining the plane? Well, just as you’d take your car to the professionals, your jet can be handled by Sun Air Jets maintenance service. This is an excellent choice since it lets you have confidence that your plane is always in its best shape.
Having professional technicians handle your aircraft maintenance is essential for your safety – and the security of your passengers. At Sun Air Jets, all technicians are factory trained and have FAA oversight. Their commitment to flight safety is a top priority.
The maintenance department has achieved the four major industry safety standards and participates in voluntary, recurring maintenance technician training every two years. This attention to training and other small details sets Sun Air Jets apart.
Whether you have invested in a brand new jet or have an older one with lots of miles, do not try to handle the maintenance on your own. There is so much involved in keeping you safe in the air that you can’t leave it to chance.
First-rate jet aircraft maintenance in Van Nuys with Sun Air Jets can give you confidence in your aircraft every time you reach for the sky.
We can all agree that it pays not to take chances in any situation where safety is a factor. Aside from the obvious safety benefits, keeping a private jet in the best working order could be a matter of personal pride. Looking after your investment should be a top priority. There are lots of things to consider. Today we will go through what you need to know about private jet maintenance and why it is important.
Why is Private Jet Maintenance Important?
Anything that I used often will be subject to wear and tear. However, when not comes to aviation, there are a few factors to consider.
If you were to develop a fault while driving, you could simply pull over to the side of the road. However, when flying, that isn’t a possibility, so it makes real sense to ensure that faults don’t develop in the first place. The key to this is making sure that a jet is well maintained at all times.
Again, just as with motor vehicles, it isn’t always the running that causes problems. Would you be surprised to learn that airplanes don’t like being sat on the ground for extended periods? But, on the other hand, they are often the most reliable when they are being used often.
The upshot of the above is that it is certainly safer to ensure that an airplane is in peak condition. Here are some other reasons why private jet maintenance is important:
Less downtime equals more use and revenue.
An aircraft stuck on the ramp isn’t fulfilling its purpose, either for you or anyone else. By ensuring that the airplane is well maintained, there is a greater chance of it being available to use at any time.
It ensures aircraft remain FAA compliant.
The federal aviation authority takes safety extremely seriously, and rightly so! All aircraft operating in US airspace and elsewhere have to meet minimum standards of safety and compliance.
By continuously monitoring maintenance requirements and performing them to a set schedule, operators can ensure continued airworthiness.
The lifespan of the airplane is extended.
It is an obvious conclusion that by looking after anything’s you can make it last longer. Airplanes are subject to high amounts of stresses and strains in hostile environments. By focusing on good quality maintenance, an operator or owner can always ensure that the jet performs well.
It aids reliability
Part of the joy of private flying is having the flexibility to go not only where you want but when you want. It would be a bittersweet feeling to board a private jet, only to be told that you won’t be going anywhere because the aircraft needs maintenance that could have been performed during ‘down time’.
How Often Is Private Jet Maintenance Required?
While the most obvious answer might seem to be ‘whenever something goes wrong,’ this is only partly true. The truth is that with a set maintenance schedule, the chance of something ‘going wrong’ should be very slim indeed.
Different aircraft have different maintenance schedules; this can be based on several factors. Here are some of the things that determine a private jet maintenance schedule: –
- Legal requirements set by a regulatory body
- Manufacturer guidance
- Operator preference
- Client preference
- Ad-hoc maintenance
- Number of landings
- Number of hours flown
- Aircraft age
Aircraft are subject to various checks throughout their lifetime. This can, of course, be accelerated through continuous use.
When discussing checks performed as a result of regulatory requirements, you’ll see the following as mandatory: –
A Checks
A checks are the most regularly performed. They can be specified after a certain number of hours, landings, or elapsed time. They are quick to complete and are often performed over a day or night.
B Checks
Often referred to as a ‘six monthly’ check. B checks are a little more involved. They can take anything up to a week to perform and will require detailed knowledge by a skilled technician.
C Checks
C Checks are very extensive and can take anything up to a few weeks to complete. Many components are removed and closely inspected. Fortunately, they are only required in two yearly intervals.
D Checks
D Checks are a major overhaul of the aircraft where practically every part and component is removed, inspected, and, if so needed, replaced. This can take a lot of time to complete and is often when owners and operators decide it might be time to invest in a newer model.
Is Private jet Maintenance Expensive?
Ad hoc repairs and aircraft parts are never going to be cheap. With that said, prevention is better than cure.
In real terms, what this means is that by using a reliable maintenance provider, you could save money in the long run by preventing bigger problems further down the line.
The good news is that there are several options available to you.
You could choose to pay as you go… In effect, gambling that big problems won’t occur. Alternatively, you could enroll in a maintenance program that works much in the same way as a warranty. You may a fixed price per month, and any required maintenance is performed under this subscription-style service.
The monthly costs of the above will depend on the age of the jet, its condition, and how often it is utilized.
How to Choose a Reliable Private Jet Maintenance Provider
Choosing a reliable provider can be a minefield. At the bare minimum, you should look for a part 145 approved organization with a proven history. In addition, look for companies that make safety a number one priority.
Another indicator of expertise is a private jet maintenance company that offers solutions for various types of aircraft. This should demonstrate significant experience in working with private jets.
A great way to cut down on costs Is to look for a company that can perform various in-house maintenance solutions. Whether it is interior trim, avionics, or working on the airframe itself, by looking at a ‘one-stop shop’, you could save yourself money… And time.
Hopefully, you should be more in the picture about what you need to know about private jet maintenance.
Sun Air Jets is a part 145 approved maintenance provider that places flight safety at the forefront of its ethos. If you have questions or need further information, then why not contact us.
The Sun Air Jets private aircraft maintenance team has reached a new milestone in 2020. The department worked over 12,000 hours without incident last year, which brings the team to a total of over 40,000 hours accident-free.
As the most credentialed and highest rated safety operator in the country, this new achievement demonstrates our dedication to risk-averse safety and operational processes that permeates our company culture throughout each of our departments.
“We’re very proud of our hardworking team for this impressive accomplishment. With our exemplary flight operations safety management standards, our team has been dedicated to creating an environment that prioritizes safety for our employees and guests,” says Rob Cox, Executive Vice President and Director of Maintenance at Sun Air Jets.
Sun Air Jets’ maintenance technicians are all trained by either aircraft manufacturers, or through Flight Safety International. In addition, our technicians receive additional training at least semi-annually when practicable, as well as participating in Sun Air Jets’ internal recurring safety training.
Congratulations to our private aircraft maintenance team on this achievement!
Sun Air Jets is a Federal Aviation Administration certified Part 145 repair station with factory trained technicians. We provide Flight Safety International or aircraft manufacturer trained technicians on Bombardier, Gulfstream, Hawker, Dassault Falcon and Cessna airframes, as well as Honeywell, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney engines.
Our aircraft management clients receive exclusive access to our maintenance department. To learn more about our maintenance department and aircraft management services, contact us today.
Sun Air Jets recently completed a large-scale maintenance inspection on a client’s Gulfstream G550 (G500). The project included 12/24/36/48/72 and 144-month inspections, which involves disassembling portions of the aircraft including the landing gear, fuselage, interior and tail section, a detailed inspection of all applicable parts and structure, operational checks, and then reassembling the aircraft for return to service.
As the industry faces a decreased
demand for private jet charter flights due to the coronavirus outbreak, the
maintenance department seized the opportunity to perform this intensive
maintenance event. Completion of this significant project is a testament to Sun
Air Jets’ world-class maintenance capabilities, flexibility and in-house experience.
The team is also in the midst of
performing similar maintenance projects on other aircraft during this downtime to
ensure clients’ assets are properly maintained, up-to-date on aircraft
inspections and ready to fly when requested.
“Aircraft owners are looking at
their schedules for the rest of the year and are choosing to utilize the
current slowdown to conduct large scale maintenance events, helping free up the
plane for the rest of the year. We schedule all other minor maintenance events
around the owners’ normal schedule, minimizing the required downtime for
scheduled maintenance” said Rob Cox, EVP of Maintenance for Sun Air Jets.
Sun Air Jets’ aircraft owners receive exclusive access to the maintenance department, which includes trained Gulfstream technicians. As a Part 145 repair station, the department is also fully integrated with their safety management system, having achieved all four major industry safety standards, and provides unmatched rates to aircraft owners.
Contact Sun Air Jets’ factory-trained maintenance department or aircraft management team today to learn more about their Gulfstream and other airframe specialties.
