What do I do if my aircraft is AOG in Northern Colorado?

Short answer: If your aircraft is grounded (AOG) in Northern Colorado, do not fly it until a mechanic has determined it is airworthy or the FAA has issued a special flight permit. Call Wingman AeroCare at (970) 292-0719 with your tail number, location, and a description of the problem. The shop is at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) and is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Mountain, with after-hours AOG help by arrangement.

First: is anyone hurt, or was there damage?

If there was an accident or a serious incident, safety and reporting come first. Under 49 CFR 830.5, the NTSB must be notified immediately of an aircraft accident and certain serious incidents, such as a flight control system malfunction or an in-flight fire. Under 49 CFR 830.10, wreckage generally must not be disturbed except to protect people or property until the NTSB takes custody. Call 911 for any injury.

Most AOG situations are not accidents: a rough-running engine, a failed alternator, a flat tire, a fuel leak, an avionics failure. The rest of this page covers those.

Step 1: Do not fly an unairworthy aircraft

Under 14 CFR 91.7, no one may operate a civil aircraft that is not airworthy, and the pilot in command must determine before each flight that it is in condition for safe flight. "It will probably make it home" is not a determination. If you are unsure whether an item grounds the airplane, ask a mechanic before you start the engine.

Some inoperative equipment can be deferred under 14 CFR 91.213(d) if it is not required for the flight; see what makes an aircraft airworthy. Engine, fuel, flight control, and structural problems are almost never deferrable.

Step 2: Gather the information a mechanic needs

Before you call, have ready:

• Tail number, make, model, and engine
• Exact location (airport, FBO or hangar, whether the aircraft can be moved)
• What happened, in order: phase of flight, symptoms, gauges, any warnings or engine monitor readings
• Photos or video of anything visible (leaks, damage, panel indications)
• Recent maintenance history, if relevant

The more specific you are, the faster a mechanic can narrow down likely causes and parts.

Step 3: Secure the aircraft

• Tie down or hangar it, and chock the wheels
• Install control locks and covers
• Note fuel state and anything that was leaking
• Let the FBO or airport know the aircraft is disabled, especially if it is on a taxiway or ramp area others need

Step 4: Decide between repair in place and a ferry permit

If the aircraft is already at or near KFNL, the simplest path is usually to move it to the shop. If it is at another airport and cannot be made airworthy there, a special flight permit under 14 CFR 21.197 may allow a flight to a place where repairs can be done, if the aircraft is capable of safe flight. The permit is issued by the FAA, and a mechanic's inspection is commonly part of the process.

Step 5: Approve the repair

For repairs at Wingman, findings go on an online estimate with photos and video, labeled Airworthy, Recommended, or Optional. You approve each item individually. Parts and estimated labor are paid before parts are ordered, which keeps the order moving as soon as you decide.

How can I reduce AOG risk in the first place?

• Track recurring ADs and inspection due dates so nothing surprises you on a trip
• Use oil analysis trends to catch engine wear before it becomes a failure (what oil analysis tells you)
• Address Recommended items before they become Airworthy items
• Keep a written squawk list and fix small issues between annuals

How Wingman handles it

Wingman AeroCare is based at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL), 5297 Gulfstream Ct, Loveland, and serves owners from Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Boulder, Longmont, the Denver metro, and Cheyenne. We handle troubleshooting, magneto, ignition, and fuel system work, and cylinder work in-house. After hours, use the chat on our homepage: you can book a $250 video consult with the on-call mechanic (credited toward a call-out if we come to you) or a $1,000 call-out to your airport (labor and parts extra), both paid by card up front. If no mechanic calls you back within the hour, you're refunded automatically. Members of our Managed Maintenance Program get priority scheduling. If you are AOG, call (970) 292-0719 now.