Plane Sense 3 Aug_FinanceNov 24/07/2012 12:11 Page 2
that it will help the would-be refurbishment client gain a larger, sharper picture of the project they envision. We’ve gone further, to break them down into the top three arising from pre-refurbishment planning, from the during-refurbishment segment, and from the après-refurb process. Without further ado, here are the popular questions and answers in aircraft refurbishment.
PRE-REFURB With so much riding on the outcome, the smartest operators work with a refurbishment ombudsman - someone charged with tracking the project and reporting back to the operator. Alternatively, the operator chooses someone to oversee and coordinate the entire project and serve as the owner’s eyes and ears on the work being done. Work with a planner to set the scope of the project so you can answer these mostcommon pre-refurbishment questions. How should we set the scope of this job? You can start to set the scope of the job by first examining all you like and dislike about the aircraft in its current form, whether on your own or in coordination with a representative. For example, if the paint and windows remain in top shape – or in good-enough shape for renewal rather than replacement – set the paint and windows outside the scope of the job, or limit work on them to touchingup and renewing the window trim and paint. Conversely, if avionics fall short of letting you fulfill common missions with minimal hassle, include a cockpit makeover to the scope of the job. Next, carefully examine the interior – from the headliner, down the fabrics and trim on sidewalls, to the carpeting underfoot. Check the condition of the upholstery as well as ancillary systems already installed. Finally, inventory the number and age of cabin systems, such as in-flight phones, inflight entertainment options and in-flight office systems – Internet access included. Now you should be able to formulate some answers as to how to set the scope for the job.
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How should I set spending limits and plan a budget? Spending limits could well come first if the company budget is tight – or it may not factor at all if the operator enjoys the deepest of pockets; in these cases the answer might well be, “Whatever it costs!” But seldom do operators feel comfortable issuing blank checks, so our best suggestion for answering this question begins with the universal caveat: “It depends…”
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WORLD AIRCRAFT SALES MAGAZINE – August 2012
www.AvBuyer.com
Aircraft Index see Page 4