What to do when your aircraft is not in use
A proactive move to make as an owner is to take advantage of any downtime when your aircraft is not flying often, or not at all. Clearly as of early 2021, most jets are experiencing this downtime as governments have restricted travel to other countries. But there are other more normal downtimes in your ownership when you are not using your jet very often such as the winter months (winter is also a time when charter tends to be lower).
This is an opportune time to improve or update your jet or even to bring forward a maintenance inspection that would come due during a busier season for you like the summertime. Taking advantage of natural down time when the plane is not needed is a great way to minimize downtime when the plane is needed most.
A few ideas are:
Avionics Upgrades – Some upgrades are mandated by EASA or the FAA to be completed by a certain date (such as ADS-B Out was) and others are upgrades you choose to do to improve the capabilities of your aircraft. Installing these during downtime means you are not rushing to do it when a deadline comes due or taking it out of service to install in the future.
Maintenance Inspections – Bring forward a maintenance inspection that is coming due in the near-term future, that way when you need your aircraft in the summer, for example, you will not have to worry about it being in a maintenance facility. (see also Where Should I Get My Maintenance Done?)
New exterior paint – This can take a month to complete and doing this during prolonged downtime not only improves the look of the aircraft and its protection, but is a great use of time when you aren’t flying. (see also What to Know About Painting the Exterior of Your Jet)
Interior refurbishments – New seat leather, carpet or woodwork. Some of these projects can take weeks to complete but will be very appreciated when you are using your jet frequently again. (see also Factors Affecting Your Aircraft’s Resale Value: Cosmetic Condition)
Install new WIFI or entertainment systems
Make the most of the time your jet is not flying, or you cannot fly your jet due to travel restrictions, so that when your busier travel months hit or when travel bans are lifted, you are able to use your jet in all the ways you need to.
