It can feel like an all-consuming mission to keep your private jet in operation. In some cases, an entire crew is needed to service and maintain the jet. They spend more time in the garage than on the plane.
It’s good to know that more people are now willing to support those who want private jets but don’t want the hassle. With a few small changes in your routine, you can make the experience of owning a jet feel similar to driving a fast vehicle. Here’s what you need to do:
Building Partnerships With Professionals
Building partnerships with experts should be at the top of your list. If you have people in your team that know how to maintain and use jets, it can save you from having to be grounded or take alternate transport.
Pilot John International supplies aerospace parts and equipment to the industry. It is the company that understands better than anyone how important it is to have a good supply chain.
“People who buy private jets don’t often realise the maintenance requirements of these vehicles,” it says. “Most planes require more time spent in maintenance than flying in the air, making them less convenient than many imagine. The key to owning a private jet that will serve you at any time is to solve the maintenance supply chain and keep all the parts and equipment needed nearby.”
Many people who own private jets store everything they need nearby. Currently, the trend is to keep stocks in place so that engineers are able to deliver them when the private jet needs it.
Train staff and engineers
Train staff and engineers on proper aircraft management. By keeping your skills current, you will be better equipped to handle problems when they occur.
“We see a lot of jet owners putting money into keeping their staff trained so that they can fix problems with aircraft rapidly,” Pilot John International explains. “Our company has always believed in preventative measures.”
Perform pre-flight checks
By preventing the occurrence of problems, pre-flight inspections can help to keep maintenance costs down. By hiring engineers to inspect your aircraft each time it is used, you can prevent minor damages from leading to larger failures.
The engineers will check the aircraft for damage, leaks and loose parts. These early fixes can help prevent costly or dangerous problems from developing in the future.
The plane’s high-wear parts will be examined closely. Included in this are things like the landing gear and control surfaces. The extreme forces and stress they must endure can cause these components to fail.
Schedule maintenance
You should also ensure that your aircraft receives scheduled maintenance. Following the manufacturer’s instructions can reduce the risk of being grounded, just when you want to fly to Dubai or Mauritius.
The engineers will start this process by inspecting, lubricating and cleaning parts that the manufacturer has identified as being prone to failure. Oft, they perform routine checks and discard old parts.
“The fact that engineers are constantly having to perform maintenance reveals just how critical it is to have proper supply chains in place,” Pilot John International explains. “The more straightforward it is to procure parts, the less time planes spend in hangars. If you can show provenance, it will be easier to pass the standard mandatory aviation authority checks.
Maintenance of the Cabin Interior
It’s also important to dedicate some resources to maintaining the cabin’s interior. The more clean and hygienic your cabin is, the longer the finishes will last.
The engineers usually start by inspecting all vents and ducts responsible for maintaining the cabin’s atmosphere. Keeping these clean ensures that germs and bacteria can’t build up inside the cabin, and reduces the risk of breathing in pollutants or harmful chemicals.
It’s also helpful to dust the interior after every flight to prevent damage to the upholstery and carpets. These will last longer if they are kept free of unwanted material.
Avionics Systems – Check the Avionics Systems
The avionics system can cause serious problems. If they aren’t maintained, the plane could go off-course.
The software is the key to most avionics systems working optimally. By ensuring you are using the most recent versions, you can reduce the risk of a fault and ensure the safety of you and your passenger.
Assure that your flight engineers regularly test and maintain your navigation systems using various simulations. Set up procedures for pilots to report software problems so they feel comfortable coming forward. Continue to check them and make sure they work correctly.
“When it comes to complex equipment, like avionics, it always pays to work with a professional supplier,” Pilot John International says. “Sourcing these parts from reputable brands is infinitely more desirable than trying to get them from someone offering the deepest discounts. When it comes to airplane parts, quality is always the priority, not quantity.”
Maintain Your Engines
Private jet engines are most susceptible to damage with time. They have many moving parts, just like car engines. This increases the likelihood of failure.
Again, you’ll want to tell your engineers to follow manufacturer guidelines on routine inspections and maintenance. Monitor engine parts and address any anomalies that you find immediately.
The majority of jets will let you know if they believe there is a problem with the engine. This could be anything from adding oil to changing out fans, propellers and air intakes.
Take Care of the Exterior
Finally, you need to invest some time in caring for your plane’s exterior. A plane that is damaged on the exterior can become dangerous to you or your passengers. Corrosion and damage to exterior structures can be caused by poorly maintained exterior structures, putting your hull in danger.
To protect your aircraft, you should always apply fresh paint and store it in a secure hangar.
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