MIDTERMS - CIVIL AV Flashcards
simply defined as a group of aircraft owned by a specific person, organization, or an airline.
Fleet
Different aircraft models have ___
different features
It is used to determine its capacity to carry payload over a maximum flight distance, or range.
technical performance
The process by which an airline acquires and manages appropriate aircraft capacity in order to serve anticipated markets over a variety of defined periods of time with a view to maximizing corporate wealth.
Fleet planning
What is the goal of fleet planning?
to select the right aircraft, at the right time
Aircraft are characterized by two important features this includes ___ and ___
size and range
Refers to the maximum distance that it can fly without stopping for additional fuel, while still carrying a fair payload of passengers and/or cargo.
Range
Defined by its weight, seating or cargo capacity, as indicators of the amount of payload that it can carry.
Size
[FIRST STEP] An airline or operator will form a generalist group who will lead the fleet acquisition program. It includes:
- corporate planners
- specialists
- finance
- marketing
- engineering & maintenance
- flight operations.
[SECOND STEP] The generalist group will look into four (4) different areas before selecting an aircraft
• Airline’s current resources
• Corporate objectives
• Projected industry environments
• Marketing strategy
Before making any decisions regarding fleet expansion or renewal, airlines need to assess their current resources, including their existing fleet composition, maintenance capabilities, crew training infrastructure, and financial resources.
Understanding the strengths and limitations of their current fleet is essential for determining the type and number of aircraft to add or replace.
Airline’s current resources
The fleet planning process should align closely with the airline’s ___ and ____
corporate objectives and long-term goals
The fleet planning process objective may include
expanding into new markets
increasing operational efficiency
improving profitability
enhancing passenger experience
achieving environmental sustainability targets.
Airlines operate in a dynamic industry influenced by various external factors such as:
- economic conditions
- regulatory changes
- technological advancements
- competitive pressures.
The choice of aircraft can impact factors such as:
- passenger comfort
- onboard amenities
- route network flexibility
- overall brand image.
[THIRD STEP] Once the said group already identified those four areas, they create a model that consist of the following:
- Type of aircraft and number to be acquired
- Time of Acquisition
- Timing of Trade-In or Phase Out of Existing Fleet
When buying aircraft when the aviation market is experiencing a ____ or _____, can provide financial benefits because prices are lower and there may be more options available.
downturn, or a period of reduced demand and lower prices
purchasing during a ____, when demand is high and the market is strong, can result in higher prices and fewer choices due to increased demand and limited availability of aircraft.
peak period
Deciding when to phase out or trade in existing aircraft involves evaluating factors such as
- aircraft age
- maintenance costs
- technological obsolescence
- fuel efficiency.
___ can reduce operational expenses, enhance safety, and improve environmental sustainability by introducing newer, more fuel-efficient models.
Retiring older aircraft at the right time
___ may lead to financial losses if existing aircraft still have significant useful life remaining.
premature retirement
___ could result in increased maintenance costs and decreased reliability.
delaying retirement too long
[FOURTH STEP] Since the airline or operator has already the list of possible aircraft that they will acquire, the group will now identify the constraints of each listed aircraft.
These constraints are the following:
- Facility requirements at airports
- Runway and gateway capacity
- Terminal capacity
- Community noise
Different aircraft have varying facility requirements at airports, including
- parking space
- taxiway dimensions
- gate availability
___ may require specialized facilities such as wide-body gates and longer runways, which may not be available at all airports.
Larger aircraft
____ may be necessary to accommodate certain aircraft types, which can incur significant costs and time delays.
Airport infrastructure upgrades
Aircraft generate noise during ____, which can affect nearby communities.
takeoff, landing, and taxiing
___ tend to produce more noise than
smaller and newer models.
Larger and older aircraft
____, may be required to address community concerns and ensure sustainable airport operations.
Noise mitigation measures, such as noise-reducing technologies and flight path optimization
relates to the aircraft’s ability to operate effectively in different environmental conditions, including high altitude, hot temperatures, and adverse weather.
Physical Performance
Factors such as ___ are crucial considerations in assessing physical performance.
- engine power
- takeoff and landing performance
- climb rate
- maneuverability
refers to the initial purchase price of the aircraft.
Acquisition cost
Evaluating acquisition costs involves considering not only the upfront purchase price but also any additional expenses such as:
- customization
- delivery fees
- taxes
Evaluating the ___ involves considering its expected longevity, resale value, and potential for future upgrades or modifications.
aircraft life cycle
__ and __ offer better long-term investment potential and lower overall ownership costs.
Aircraft with longer life cycles and higher residual values
Maintenance considerations include factors such as:
- reliability
- ease of maintenance
- availability of spare parts.
Aircraft with reliable systems, simplified maintenance procedures, and comprehensive support networks tend to have __
lower maintenance costs and fewer operational disruptions.
__ quantifies the direct operating costs incurred by the airline for each hour the aircraft is in revenue service
Cost per block hour
Cost per Block Hour encompasses expenses such as ___, providing a comprehensive measure of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
fuel, crew salaries, maintenance, and depreciation
a critical consideration given the significant impact of fuel costs on operating expenses.
Fuel efficiency
Aircraft with ___ offer lower fuel consumption, reducing operating costs and environmental footprint.
- advanced aerodynamics
- lightweight materials
- fuel-efficient engines
This includes the design and functionality of the aircraft’s airframes wings, fuselage, and control surfaces such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders.
Structure and Flight Controls
__ encompass various components such as landing gear, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and auxiliary power units.
Mechanical systems
___ are critical considerations for mechanical systems to ensure continuous and safe aircraft operation.
- Reliability
- durability
- ease of maintenance
It include cockpit displays, navigation equipment, communication systems, and flight management systems.
Avionics and instrument systems
It refers to the period of time during which an aircraft is in operation, starting from the moment the aircraft pushes back from the gate for departure until it arrives at the gate upon completion of the flight.
block hour
___ are a fundamental measure of aircraft utilization and are commonly used in aviation for scheduling, planning, and performance analysis purposes.
Block hours
Blocking hour is the industry ___ for aircraft utilization.
standard measurement
It determines the maximum weight at which an aircraft can safely take off.
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)
The airlines also consider their ___. If the projected blocking hour didn’t reach by the airline, their __ rate decreases. __ is the rate of the punctuality of the airline such as on time departure and on time arrival.
OTP or On Time Performance
OTP rate of PAL on 2019
92%