Quick answer
An effective AOG parts request should establish the aircraft location, exact part requirement, acceptable alternatives, documentation standard, required-on-site time, decision authority, and logistics contact. The goal is not simply to find stock; it is to identify a technically acceptable part that can reach the maintenance team with usable records.
Define the operational deadline
“Urgent” is not a routing instruction. State the latest useful arrival time at the maintenance location, local time zone, receiving availability, and the operational consequence if that time is missed.
This lets the sourcing and logistics teams compare options against the same outcome instead of optimizing separate pieces of the problem.
Send one complete AOG brief
A concise, complete brief reduces back-and-forth at the moment when every message matters.
- Aircraft model, registration if appropriate, and exact location
- Part number, nomenclature, quantity, and removal finding
- Approved alternates or interchangeability decision owner
- Acceptable condition and required technical records
- Required-on-site time, ship-to contact, and authorization limits
Separate availability from acceptability
The first available unit may not meet the buyer’s condition, traceability, life-status, or release-document expectations. Ask both questions at once: can it ship, and can our authorized team accept it?
Quality review should remain independent of schedule pressure. AOG status does not change airworthiness responsibilities.
Create decision lanes
Name who can approve price changes, freight upgrades, alternate conditions, and routing changes. When these decisions have no owner, the part can wait while multiple teams seek the same approval.
After the event, record the bottleneck and update the aircraft or destination profile. Each AOG should improve the next response.
Frequently asked questions
What does AOG mean in aviation parts sourcing?
Aircraft on ground describes an operationally unavailable aircraft, often creating an urgent maintenance and logistics requirement.
What commonly delays an AOG quote?
Missing part details, unclear acceptable condition, undocumented alternatives, uncertain destination information, and unassigned approval authority.
Does urgency reduce documentation requirements?
No. The operator and authorized maintenance or quality personnel must still determine whether the part and records are acceptable.
Authoritative sources
This guide provides general procurement information and is not legal, customs, engineering, or airworthiness advice.
ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan FAA Suspected Unapproved Parts Program