Aircraft are some of the most expensive machines used for commercial transport. With high operating costs, the airlines only make money when the aircraft is in the air. While turnaround times on the ground and routine maintenance checks are necessary, unforeseen technical faults cause the aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situation.
The AOG not only hurts airlines in lost revenue but also incurs significant expenses for unscheduled space occupancy, maintenance, and compensation to passengers. Most unscheduled technical faults are less alarming and can be fixed rather quickly. However, if the aircraft does not pass routine inspections as prescribed by the regulatory authorities, it can immediately be grounded. Some of the common technical faults that can result in an AOG delay are discussed in this article.
Engine Oil leaks
Oil leaks are some of the most common technical failures that aircraft incur on the ground. Low oil quantity transmitters in the engine may trigger such failures on the ground or during flight. If preventive measures are not put in place, such small-scale issues can result in the AOG delay. Similarly, hydraulic leaks in landing gears, brakes, and flaps can also cause the aircraft to be grounded.
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Foreign Object Debris (FOD) damage
Aircraft are subjected to varying ground and environmental conditions during flight. Picking up FOD in and around the airport or at low altitudes is fairly common. Bird strikes are typical examples of FOD, which can put the aircraft on a significant AOG delay. Other significant FOD-related damages include structural damage during air bridge connection, loading and unloading of cargo, and collision with other aircraft or ground vehicles.
Aircraft operators aim to minimize the AOG cost by flying back to their home base after a warning or the incident has occurred. Alternatively, airlines establish AOG contracts with their frequent foreign bases to receive on-time services, should the need arise.
Component or control system failures
As mentioned previously, a technical fault may be as simple as a malfunctioning sensor. MROs based in large airports can provide such maintenance services in no time. On the other hand, control system failures, such as landing gear extension actuators or wing flap track mechanisms, require a much longer AOG delay. Operators generally have preventative measures in place to detect such problems beforehand. Moreover, most aircraft are equipped with redundant systems that are used in case the primary component or system fails.
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Failure of cabin systems
Aircraft cabins are equipped with numerous small and large systems. From cabin pressurization and air conditioning to in-flight entertainment and lighting systems, all are essential for a flight. A worn or distorted door seal may result in decreased cabin pressure. While that can be a much quicker fix, the breakdown of critical sensors or controls may result in the AOG delay.
Similarly, drainage water may find its way into the cabin as a result of drips and leaks in the system. A fault of such an extent must be prioritized and fixed before the safety of the aircraft is compromised.
What are your thoughts on the technical faults that can cause an AOG delay? Have you experienced such a delay during your travels? Tell us in the comments section.