When an aircraft is grounded, everyone feels the pressure – the owner, the shop, and the mechanic. As someone who came up in the shop myself, I know exactly how frustrating it is to wait on a part you could/should already have in your hands. In this industry, turnaround time isn’t just a metric. It’s the difference between a grounded airplane and a satisfied customer.
At AAI, improving turnaround time isn’t a single strategy. It’s the result of dozens of intentional decisions, investments, and processes working together like a well‑tuned machine. Over the past several years, we’ve built that machine – and it’s still getting faster.
Below is a look behind the scenes at how we continually improve turnaround times for the parts we sell, service, and overhaul.
DER Repairs: One of the Fastest Paths to Getting Aircraft Back in the Air
Many people don’t realize how much time they can save with FAA‑approved DER (Designated Engineering Representative) repairs. These repairs allow an owner or shop to keep their existing part rather than purchasing new – and with AAI, they come with multiple advantages:
Why DER Repairs Improve Turnaround Time
- Lower cost than new parts
- Faster delivery compared to ordering OEM new
- In‑house engineering shortens approval and repair cycles
- A direct working relationship with the FAA, which removes common delays
- Process design that eliminates bottlenecks most repair shops constantly fight against
Because we own the intellectual property and engineering behind these repairs, we’re not stuck waiting on middlemen – and neither are you.
Innovative Shipping Logistics for Aircraft Parts
Logistics shouldn’t be the customer’s headache. That’s why AAI handles shipping from end to end, so shops and aircraft owners don’t spend hours trying to figure out how to move a 900‑lb landing gear crate across the country.
Two Speed Options for Any Situation
- Standard: Crate + flatbed delivery
- Average timeline: 5–7 days
- Expedited: Hotshot van service
- Average timeline: 1–3 days
When AAI manages logistics, turnaround time stops slipping through the cracks – and parts get where they’re going faster.
Stocked Inventory of Aircraft Parts That Shortens Lead Times
Some companies wait to order parts until a job comes in. At AAI, we do the opposite. We invest heavily in inventory so the parts are already on the shelf when you need them.
Why Inventory Matters
- Faster exchange turnaround
- No waiting on OEM suppliers
- Ready‑to‑ship components for time‑sensitive jobs
Big, hard‑to‑find parts are especially important to stock. That’s one reason mechanics keep coming back to AAI – the parts they need are often available. And when they are not, customers know how hard we work to complete detailed inspections, certified repairs, and deliver tested parts with 8130-3 certification.
Customer Communication Designed for Speed
Turnaround time is more than physical parts moving. It’s communication moving.
Two Systems That Keep Jobs Moving Forward
- Online customer portal
- Convenient, anytime access
- Real‑time job status and documentation
- Check‑ins by our service team
- A personal touch with a process behind it
- No more guessing where your part is
When communication is clear and consistent, jobs don’t stall.
Dedicated Personnel for Critical Processes
One of the biggest hidden delays in the repair world is shared labor. When the same technician bounces between cleaning, NDT, paint, and teardown, everything slows down.
So we built AAI differently.
Full‑Time Roles Dedicated to Specific Processes
- Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Painting
- Cleaning
- Final assembly and inspection
This level of specialization reduces queue times, increases quality, and keeps parts moving through the shop without bottlenecks.
A Culture That Actually Cares
Turnaround time improves when people take pride in their craft.
Our team does – and it shows in the work.
Forecasting: Planning Inventory Before Customers Need It
Because we know the market and stay ahead of demand, we’re able to forecast what parts will become scarce before they become a problem.
This means:
- Less downtime for shops
- More predictable lead times
- Fewer repairs stuck waiting on backordered components
Forecasting isn’t about guessing. It’s about paying attention – something our team does exceptionally well.
Spare Parts Strategy: A Faster, Easier Exchange Process
AAI continually buys inventory with the future in mind, not just the job in front of us. That means:
- Spare parts are already on the shelf
- Exchange programs move faster
- Big, rare, or high‑value parts are on-hand or available to be sourced quickly when others don’t have them
This is one of the quiet superpowers behind our turnaround times.
Accurate Quoting Prevents Delays Down the Line
Fast turnaround requires clarity up front. That’s why we perform detailed inspections before quoting, not after.
Benefits of Accurate, Up‑Front Quotes
- Issues are caught the first time
- Fewer change orders
- Less frustration for mechanics
- More reliable timelines
In our company, “no surprises” is more than a promise – it’s a process.
Building the Machine: Kevin’s Vision for AAI
When I started in this industry, I saw the same problems over and over – and I watched shops try to solve them with the same slow, broken systems year after year.
Middlemen slowed everything down. Lead times stretched for no good reason. And noone seemed to be trying to create better solutions.
That’s why, from the start, we focused on turning AAI into a machine built around speed, quality, and predictability.
What We Built
- Standardized processes
- Dedicated technical roles
- Certified repairs
- Ownership of the intellectual property
A support system built around the technician
- Ordering
- Parts management
- Paint
- Testing
- Documentation
Better systems lead to better service – and better service leads to repeat business and long‑term relationships. That’s the way we do things, and we’re proud of it.
Faster Turnaround Time Is the Result of Doing Many Different Things Right
AAI doesn’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in systems, expertise, inventory, communication, and a shop culture that genuinely cares. When those things come together, turnaround time gets better and better – not by accident, but by design.
If you need certified, tested, and available aircraft accessories – and you want them fast – we’re here to make that happen.
Call AAI.
Get a Quote.
Get Certified Parts Fast.