Contributed by Vince Cruickshank, Parts Inventory Manager
Deciding to exchange or repair aircraft parts boils down to time and money. And how much you have of each.
Your aircraft’s main landing gear is in need of service. Do you exchange it or have it repaired?
This question is always on the minds of aircraft owners, operators and Director of Maintenance and applies to any aircraft part, avionics, instrument, accessory or propeller unit in need of service.
There are several issues that may cause you to lean one way or the other. But it basically boils down to two key factors: time and money and how much you have of each.
1. Is a longer downtime acceptable?
The more cost-effective way to have your unit serviced is to send it in to a qualified avionics, instruments, accessory or propeller repair facility to have the maintenance performed. It will require a longer downtime, but the unit will be returned in serviceable condition.
2. Is the part needed as soon as possible?
If time is not on your side and you need to meet a tight flight schedule, you will want to consider exchanging your unit for one already in serviceable or overhauled condition. Although this option will cost you a little more, the exchange unit can be shipped the same day to get your aircraft back in the air with minimum downtime. One additional advantage is that a door to door carrier service can usually get the exchange unit to you the same day you order it.
Duncan Aviation provides extensive repair and overhaul services—including loaners and exchanges—for business aircraft parts, avionics, instruments, accessories and propellers. We maintain a large inventory of business aircraft parts and consumables of all kinds. Find the part you are looking for by searching Duncan Aviation’s Inventory of parts and capabilities.
Vince Cruickshank is the Parts Inventory Manager for Duncan Aviation, specializing in landing gear and Gulfstream aircraft. He began working in aviation in 1983.
