Contributed by Jewell Chambers, International Sales Representative
The acronyms and terms used in aviation are an alphabet soup. It can be very confusing and seem like a foreign language.
Entering into an agreement without fully understanding the language in an aircraft parts sales or exchange quote can cause confusion, delays and customer frustration. Never enter into an agreement to purchase or exchange aircraft parts, before fully understanding the terms and conditions of the contract.
Below are 16 aviation acronyms and terms typically used in aviation parts sales and exchange quotes.
ARO —After Receipt of Order
Part order must be placed prior to part being shipped. An ARO quote is good for a limited time only.
AOG—Aircraft On Ground
AR—As Removed
The part is being sold in the condition it was in when removed from the aircraft.
Consignment Inventory
Parts are being sold on behalf of someone else. Consignment Inventory parts may not have traceability.
C—Core
Unit or part being returned from an exchange sale.
ETA— Estimated Time of Arrival
Estimated time when a part will arrive.
Exchange
A unit or part sold to a customer in exchange for the same core unit in return.
Late Fees
Additional charges for core returns being returned late. Most vendors give 14 or 21 days to return core units, after which, extended use fees, late fees and even outright billing may apply.
LT—Lead Time
Amount of time until the unit or part is available for shipment.
OEM—Original Equipment Manufacturer
Outright Sale
No core return is expected from the customer (i.e. not an exchange unit).
OHC—Overhauled
A unit or part repaired per an overhaul manual.
SVC—Serviceable
A unit repaired to satisfy a declared squawk only. It is not an overhauled unit.
Squawk
Explanation or description of why a unit has failed.
WOR—Work Out of Repair
Unit needs repair attention before available for sale.
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 for sale. We also hold more than 70 manufacturer authorizations for avionics, instruments, accessories and propeller units.
With more than 370,000 line items, including tens of millions of dollars in rotables, and a huge inventory of avionics, instruments, propellers, parts, components and consumables of all kinds, we can usually handle your aviation parts or core exchange needs from our current stock. For more information, visit www.DuncanAviation.aero/parts.
Jewell Chambers is an International Sales Representative for Duncan Aviation’s parts sales team, specializing in consignment contracts and avionics equipment. She began working in aviation in 1995.
