Insight into Aircraft Charter and Management (ACM)

Aircraft Charter and Management (ACM) leadership and management operating systems are designed to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a charter fleet. Due to the highly regulated nature of ACM the use of rigorous operational management and reporting systems is crucial to optimizing operations. While large operators of scores of aircraft have an expense base which allows them to implement wide ranging operating and Safety Management Systems (SMS), it is incumbent that smaller operators also leverage technology in a cost effective manner to maximize efficiency.

 

Safety and Security are Critical

Aircraft Charter and Management system solutions work ensure that aircraft operators and their passengers have access to state of the art management and reporting capabilities. These systems are increasingly becoming more automated, and are reviewed by regulatory officials as part of an ACM operator’s certification and on-going reviews.

Fixed Base Operation Management

Many ACM operators are also a part of a Fixed Base Operation or FBO. ACM operators who are also affiliated with an FBO tend to receive more favorable service and support due to unity of direction. As FBOs provide some of the critical services (fueling, aircraft handling, arranging catering and ground transportation, etc.) for an ACM operator, so choosing a reputable FBO is important. 

Fees or cost factors

Aircraft Charter and Management companies generally charge a mix of fixed and activity based fees.  There is usually a fixed fee to cover the ACM operators overhead.  Most ACM operators also receive a revenue split with the owner for every charter flight flown. These fees are negotiable and should be based on the complexity of the aircraft management structure and the amount of time aircraft will be available to the ACM operator to book charter.  These fees scale and increase depending on the size of aircraft and availability to conduct charter.  Interested parties should diligence a number of options or hire an experienced consultant to ensure the best structure and pricing for their situation.

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Global Aviation Infrastructure LLC

Website: https://www.aviationinfrastructure.com/    

Call: +1 (843) 412-6881 

A Summary Guide to Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Management

Diligent Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Management (MRO) is a critical service provided. With aircraft utilization continuing to trend higher, owners need to ensure they plan maintenance events in the most efficient manner possible. Proactive planning is critical to ensure that aircraft are available to meet an owner or user’s missions.

Aviation MRO Can Be Proactively Managed

The timing of required checks, either under Part 91 or 135 operations, can be forecast based upon an airplane’s projected activity.  A diligent MRO manager or management company will create a forecast for each aircraft under their supervision.  That forecast will then be compared to the projected flight activity to estimate when required inspections will need to be accomplished.  Because certain checks can be accomplished within a band of time the MRO manager can create a plan which optimizes aircraft utilization.

What are the Keys to MRO Planning?

There are several keys to this type of MRO planning.  As mentioned above, forecasting maintenance events is one of the main drivers of planning.  Another key area is identifying maintenance providers in advance and receiving scheduling commitments for the work.  If the MRO work is going to be done in house then management will need to ensure that the required personnel, equipment and facilities will be available to complete the maintenance event.   If the MRO work is going to be sourced to a vendor, then management will need to develop a specific scope of work with the vendor.

Different Types of MRO

As we examine different types of maintenance, repair and overhaul, the following are the most common patterns of maintenance that you will come across:

 

•        Preventive

•        Condition centric

•        Risk based

•        Corrective

 

Documentation of Major Maintenance Activities

Because of the vital and regulated nature of aircraft maintenance, documenting maintenance activities is also critical. Aviation Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Management solutions must ensure that all are not only performed correctly but are documented correctly as well.  There are now many cloud and web based programs and applications which can help ensure all documentation requirements are met.  These systems can also provide this documentation to required parties via electronic distribution. The most common classifications that come under the periphery of maintenance, repair and overhaul management systems is, as follows

 

•        Line maintenance

•        Engine maintenance

•        Heavy maintenance

•        Airframe modification

•        Component maintenance

 

These are the most common classifications of aircraft MRO. As there is a lot of diversity among the type of work which performed in each of these areas, many MRO service providers specialize in certain areas.  Some of the largest MRO service providers can handle almost all types of maintenance, but the work may be performed in multiple locations.

This post has sought to provide a summary overview of the complex and dynamic topic of aviation MRO management. Aircraft owners should avail themselves of experienced and qualified managers when planning their maintenance events.

Contact Us

Global Aviation Infrastructure LLC

Website: https://www.aviationinfrastructure.com/    

Call: +1 (843) 412-6881