When the Unexpected Happens

No matter how well-maintained an aircraft is, unscheduled events occur. A bird strike on departure, a hydraulic leak discovered during pre-flight, an avionics fault at an outstation, a lightning strike during a storm — these events are part of aviation. What matters is how quickly and effectively they are resolved.

AOG situations are uniquely stressful because they typically happen at the worst possible time — your aircraft is grounded, passengers are waiting, schedules are disrupted, and the clock is ticking. The aircraft may be at a remote airport with limited maintenance capability, making the situation even more challenging.

Plane Selection's AOG response capability is built on three pillars: immediate access to qualified maintenance technicians, a global parts sourcing network, and the operational coordination expertise to bring everything together quickly — regardless of where in the world your aircraft is stranded.

Our AOG Response Process

1. Immediate Assessment (0-30 Minutes)

When you report an AOG, our operations team begins working immediately. We gather the details — aircraft type and registration, location, nature of the issue, crew assessment, and any diagnostic information available. Within 30 minutes of initial contact, we have a preliminary assessment and are actively working on a resolution plan.

2. Diagnosis and Planning (30 Minutes - 2 Hours)

We coordinate with the aircraft's crew, the manufacturer's technical support, and local maintenance personnel (if available) to diagnose the issue accurately. This step is critical — a correct diagnosis on the first attempt saves hours or days compared to trial-and-error troubleshooting. We leverage manufacturer tech support hotlines, our own technical experience, and our network of type-specific maintenance experts.

3. Parts Sourcing (Parallel with Diagnosis)

While diagnosis is underway, our parts team begins sourcing any components that may be needed. We search our network of parts suppliers, OEM distributors, and other operators to locate the required parts and arrange the fastest possible delivery. For common components, we can often arrange same-day delivery through AOG parts networks. For rare or specialized parts, we explore all options including borrowing from other operators, sourcing from repair stations, or arranging emergency manufacture.

4. Maintenance Dispatch

Depending on the situation, we arrange one of several maintenance solutions:

• Mobile repair team: A qualified technician with the right tools and parts travels to the aircraft's location to perform the repair on-site
• Local MRO facility: We coordinate with a nearby Part 145 facility to receive the aircraft and perform the repair
• Ferry flight: If the aircraft can be safely ferried (with appropriate MEL relief or special flight permit), we arrange transport to the nearest suitable maintenance facility
• Manufacturer support: For complex issues, we engage the aircraft manufacturer's mobile service team or arrange a factory visit

5. Resolution and Return to Service

Once the repair is complete, we verify that all work is properly documented, the aircraft is returned to full airworthy condition, and any deferred items are recorded for follow-up during the next scheduled maintenance event. We coordinate with the crew for a return-to-service check flight if required and ensure the aircraft is mission-ready before your next trip.

Common AOG Scenarios

Our team regularly handles a wide range of unscheduled maintenance situations:

• Bird strikes: Inspection, damage assessment, and repair of leading edges, engine inlets, windshields, and radomes
• Lightning strikes: Comprehensive inspection per manufacturer guidelines, repair of entry/exit points, and system verification
• Hydraulic leaks: System diagnosis, component replacement, and functional testing
• Avionics faults: Troubleshooting, LRU replacement, and system re-initialization
• Engine issues: FOD inspection, chip detector findings, oil analysis, and hot section problems
• Tire and brake replacement: On-site tire and brake changes, including sourcing and overnight delivery
• Pressurization issues: Leak detection, seal replacement, and cabin altitude verification
• Landing gear anomalies: Indicator faults, door seal issues, and actuator problems
• Weather damage: Hail damage assessment and repair, de-icing system issues

Global Coverage

Our AOG response network covers every major aviation region. Whether your aircraft is at London Luton, Dubai Al Maktoum, Teterboro, Sao Paulo Congonhas, or a remote airfield in Africa, we have the contacts and resources to arrange maintenance support. Our network includes over 150 Part 145 facilities and hundreds of independent maintenance technicians available for dispatch on short notice.

MEL and CDL Management

Not every unscheduled maintenance issue requires immediate grounding. Many business jets operate with a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Configuration Deviation List (CDL) that allow continued operation with certain items inoperative, subject to specific conditions and time limits.

Plane Selection helps operators understand and apply MEL/CDL provisions correctly, ensuring that the aircraft can continue operating safely while a permanent repair is scheduled at a convenient time and location. We track all MEL items, monitor repair deadlines, and coordinate permanent repairs before MEL time limits expire.

Unscheduled Maintenance Budget Planning

While unscheduled maintenance is by definition unpredictable, experienced operators budget for it. A typical business jet should budget 10-20% of its annual maintenance budget for unscheduled events. Aircraft enrolled in engine and APU maintenance programmes (such as JSSI, MSP, or CSP) have more predictable costs, as many unscheduled engine events are covered under these programmes.

Plane Selection helps owners develop realistic maintenance budgets that account for both scheduled and unscheduled events, reducing financial surprises and ensuring that funds are available when needed.

Report an AOG

If your aircraft is grounded or experiencing a maintenance issue that may affect your next flight, contact Plane Selection immediately. Our operations team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We will begin working on a solution within minutes of your call.