When chartering a private jet, the last thing you want to hear is that the aircraft is "AOG" - or Aircraft on Ground. This term is used to describe an aircraft that is unable to fly due to a mechanical issue. In other words, if your aircraft is on AOG, your flight is grounded. 

In this blog post, we'll explore what AOG means in business aviation, what happens during this unlikely event, and why it's important to consider it when planning your next private jet trip.

AOG stands for "Aircraft on Ground." It's used to describe any situation where an aircraft, commercial or private, cannot fly due to a technical issue. In other words, if your aircraft is AOG, your flight is grounded. 

There are many potential causes of an AOG situation. Common issues include engine or avionics failure, fuel contamination, bird strike damage, and more. These types of issues can be caused by things like human error, manufacturer defects, or external factors like weather.

When the aircraft is considered unsafe to fly, it will be placed on AOG until the necessary repairs can be made. Depending on the severity of the issue, this can involve anything from a simple maintenance check to an extensive overhaul. In some cases, it may even require replacing parts or swapping in a new aircraft altogether. An AOG situation can last for a few hours or a few days. 

In the unexpected event of an AOG and your private flight being grounded, there are several steps that your broker and charter operator will take to try and get you back in the air as soon as possible.

First of all, the crew and operator will examine the issue and determine a plan of action. This may involve getting in contact with the aircraft manufacturer to identify any potential solutions or required replacement parts.

If the issue cannot be rectified quickly, the operator will work with your broker to find an alternate aircraft to charter for you so that your flight can continue as planned. In some cases, the aircraft may need to be ferried from another location - a process that can take several hours depending on distance and availability.

Whenever you book a private or charter flight, your dedicated broker or contact will be standing by during the entire journey of your flight, to make sure all goes smoothly. In the event of an AOG, this dedicated contact will make sure that you are taken care of and your flight is resumed as quickly as possible. He or she will be in direct contact with you to address any concerns and keep you updated on the situation, in all transparency.

Now that you know what AOG means in business aviation and how it can impact your flight, let's take a look at some tips for avoiding flight delays due to technical issues.

1. Book with a reputable charter company

One of the best ways to avoid being stranded on the ground due to an AOG situation is to book with a reputable broker and charter company. Before you book your flight, make sure to do your research and read reviews from other customers. This will help you choose a charter company that has a good track record of avoiding technical and other issues. 

A reputable charter broker has, for example, an international team with 22+ years of experience, an average Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5, like us at The Aviation Factory :)

2. Choosing a reliable operator and aircraft

Another way to reduce your risk of being stranded on the ground is to fly with a reliable operator (who provides the aircraft and crew) and aircraft. Deciding which operator and aircraft to book is one of the most important decisions you will make when chartering a jet, and your broker should be able to help you make a well-informed decision based on his/her previous experience working with different operators and airlines. Going with a reliable operator and aircraft not only minimizes the risk of a maintenance-related AOG situation, they will also be able to help in providing a replacement aircraft or alternative solution in the event an AOG does happen.

But even if you do everything right, there's always a chance that you could end up in an AOG situation. That's why it's important to work with a reputable broker who has experience dealing with these types of situations. AOG situations happen, there is no way around that in aviation, but a good broker will have an extensive network of operators and airlines, and is able to quickly find an alternative aircraft for your flight, while keeping you informed at all times.

No matter what, your broker will work tirelessly to get you back on schedule so you can continue on with your travels. 

If you have any questions, concerns or requests regarding a private flight, our private jet team is available 24/7 at private@the-aviation-factory.com or +32 (0) 32 39 60 00.

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