G-ASTJ needs maintenance

dom1 · Post by **dom1** » 13 Sep 2006, 02:37

I just took TJ from Heathrow to Brum for a quick flight and had a bumpy landing due to Hurricane Birmingham... :redface:

This brings her down to 96.9%, does she need a service? And is it DM who looks after the 1-11's..?

I promise to be gentle with her when she's all better !

Thanks !

blanston12 · Post by **blanston12** » 13 Sep 2006, 04:19

Since the other Managers are probably fast asleep I put her in for repairs.

dom1 · Post by **dom1** » 13 Sep 2006, 14:36

Thanks for the quick response. I'm taking G-AXMU off for a couple of flights then I'll come back and collect TJ once the check is complete.

Cheers !

blanston12 · Post by **blanston12** » 13 Sep 2006, 18:14

Thinking about it now in the light of day we could have waited. At 96.9 it would be safe for at least one more flight back to base.

Post by **DaveB** » 13 Sep 2006, 20:18

No matter Joe. I've done the same before as we all tend to get twitchy in the 96% area

For the benefit of the new chaps..
You've all have heard of (and now seen) the airframe percentage number indicated on an aircraft when you book it. This gives us an indication of wear and tear and when the airframe will need to be put into maint. UP TO AND INCLUDING 95% (though the numbers actually quote 96-95 and 95-94 :think: ).. maint will only take one day and is based on the cost of the aircraft. For the sake of argument.. at 95% and below, maint will take 3 days which costs a great deal more and takes the aircraft out of service for much longer (aircraft in maint are not earning money!!)

The figure of 96% (eg.. don't take an aircraft at 96%) is based on a .5% attrition rate which is heavy I know but we can all make cock-up's and was arrived at where an A to B to A flight might occur. If the aircraft were at 95.9% and you did two complete bloomers, it is possible that the airframe would hit or go below 95% hence the full 1% safety margin.

For those guy's who want to be the biggest, fastest, longest travelling jetset group.. eg, VC10 crew, it would be inadvisable to take a VC10 on a round-the-world trip with less than 100% at LHR. While an aircraft can be put into maint at any airport.. it is possible to do a complete trip in the VC10 without requiring maint until you get back to LHR again. If you just want one to do more local runs in, there's no reason NOT to take one below 100%

For the rest of the fleet.. 96% is rule of thumb

ATB

DaveB :tab:

dom1 · Post by **dom1** » 14 Sep 2006, 03:42

I've brought G-AXMU back in one piece and that's gained me my promotion to Captain :dance:

So I'll be off again in TJ tomorrow (or is that later today..? It really is a bit late) now that I can move over to the left hand seat !!

Off for a pint in the Pilots' lounge methinks...

Post by **MALTBY D** » 14 Sep 2006, 12:22

I've been waiting for my first 1-11 maintenance job for ages & when it finally happens - I'm in bed !!

Maintenance is just pressing a button isn't it?
I was thinking it had to be back at base, until DaveB's post about it the other day.

DM

Post by **DaveB** » 14 Sep 2006, 12:34

Yes DM, it's the click of a button. It will ask if you're sure you want to put it into maint (I always hate seeing that :think: ) and when accepted, it will confirm the aircraft is in maint giving the duration and cost

ATB

DaveB :tab:

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 14 Sep 2006, 13:27

DaveB wrote:there's no reason NOT to take one below 100%

Hmm. Dave...I can think of one reason to DO take one just under 100%....if you get my drift?

Post by **DaveB** » 14 Sep 2006, 13:51

Run it by me Dan :think: The only thing I can think of is the old addage, if you see an aircraft you've used before, then take it. Also, an aircraft with less than 100% is obviously (one would hope anyway) not empty!

ATB

DaveB :tab: