In the helicopter industry, few situations are as costly or stressful as an AOG — Aircraft on Ground. When a helicopter is grounded due to a parts shortage, unserviceable component, or unexpected failure, every hour of downtime translates directly into lost revenue, delayed operations, and potential safety concerns.
What Exactly is an AOG?
AOG stands for "Aircraft on Ground" — an industry designation indicating that an aircraft is unable to fly because it requires a part, repair, or service that is not immediately available. AOG situations are treated as the highest priority across the aviation supply chain, from parts distributors to repair stations to OEMs.
Common causes of AOG situations include:
- A critical component reaching its life limit with no replacement on hand
- An unscheduled component failure discovered during pre-flight or in-flight
- Damage to a part during maintenance that requires immediate replacement
- A required inspection revealing an unserviceable component
The Cost of AOG Downtime
For commercial operators, an AOG can mean cancelled contracts, missed EMS flights, or halted offshore transport. For operators in firefighting, SAR (search and rescue), or utility roles, an AOG can have life-safety implications. The financial cost of a grounded helicopter varies widely, but even a light single-engine helicopter can represent thousands of dollars per day in lost revenue.
How CAP Handles AOG Requests
At Canadian Air Parts, AOG requests receive immediate priority — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you contact CAP with an AOG situation, here's what happens:
1. Immediate Response
Our team monitors AOG requests around the clock. When you submit an RFQ marked as AOG or call our main line at 604-596-7007, your request is immediately flagged as top priority.
2. Inventory Search
With over $7 million in inventory and 5,000+ line items, many AOG parts are available for same-day shipment from our Delta, BC warehouse. Our sourcing specialists check on-hand stock first, then reach out to our global network of suppliers if needed.
3. Expedited Shipping
AOG orders are packed and shipped via the fastest available method. We work with major carriers to ensure same-day or next-day delivery wherever possible — including international shipments with expedited customs clearance.
Preventing AOG Situations
While AOG situations can't always be avoided, proactive parts management significantly reduces the risk. CAP offers consignment management and inventory planning services that help operators keep critical spares on hand. By tracking component life limits and scheduling replacements ahead of time, you can minimize unplanned groundings.
If your aircraft is currently AOG, don't wait — call us at 604-596-7007 or submit an urgent RFQ through our website. We're here to get you flying again.