Components

[jays_86]

I am opening a new Component maintenance business. I'm wondering what are the best components to get into (landing gear, fuel nozzles, wheels and brakes....)? What do most operators look for in component maintenance?

[GyvAir]

This should be interesting.

[Heliian]

Well that's easy, just undercut the competition and hire minimum wage workers who can be easily manipulated. Customers also enjoy excessive bullshit and unrealistic turnarounds.

[jays_86]

I'm not into conducting business practices like that ahahaha. I m just curious about the types of items that carriers are interested in so I know how to help people succeed. Kinda like creating an alliance.

[YYCAME]

Well you can either promise better quality control or cheaper service to get any component business. If you put up more money up front to get better quality employees/training/testing equipment etc you have a better chance but either way you should probably try to start by just doing a few things well to make a name for yourself. So while some components might seem like an under served market it could also be a case of insufficient volume to justify spending a large amount of money on getting the expertise and equipment necessary to do a better job.


Edit: Your question is kind of the equivalent of asking what kind of food should you sell if you opened a restaurant. The answer being whatever you want to make so long as it is good.

[jays_86]

That's great advice. Do you think there is a market out there for components?

[GyvAir]

Is there a market out there for restaurant food?

[jays_86]

Yes, I believe there is a Market for restaurant food! ahahaha

[PilotDAR]

Do you think there is a market out there for components?

The answer to this question, on an internet forum, should not become the basis of a business plan. Certainly, you should work to your strengths. Do what you do well, anything else would be a difficult start. The consumers of component overhaul services know what they need. Quality work will be top of their list, can you provide that based upon your experience? Transport Canada will also take an interest in what you're doing, particularly if it is required for commercial aircraft, or is specialized work.

[KISS_MY_TCAS]

I'll just say what everyone else is thinking, and why you as a prospective entrepreneur have already failed. You want to cater to a market that you don't know exists. Pound some pavement, knock on some doors, find a market that suits your locale. You want to do JT15 components, great.....as long as the market near you makes sens, but you have no clue, and say "ahahahaha" a lot. Maybe get serious, and treat a business prospect as a business prospect and do your own research. Does a market exist for components? Probably, but you already face fierce competition with established companies and their clientele. You need to beat them at cost and turnaround, but have no idea what market to cater to. Good luck, nice pipe dream.

[jays_86]

I'm sure that you know everything and that you believe that I have done zero research. Are you just jealous that you didn't make the leap into business or are you just disgruntled by previous employers?

[robertw]

Jays,

I don't think anyone is disgruntled by your question. I think that the question everyone might be asking is "What is the point of this guy's question?"

You've asked "Is there a market for components?" The answer is well... Yes, of course there is. Wherever something is flying, there will be a need for someone to repair components in that flying machine. Your question is very vague and can be answered in one word. Yes. I read your posts and have said to myself "This guy has no idea what he's getting into. What kind of vague question is that? Has he done any research at all? This guy must be some apprentice who's PO'ed at his boss and want's to make a go of it on his own..."

If you've done research on your market and come up with some sort of business plan, you wouldn't have to ask a question like "Is there a market for components?". If you had asked something like "Hey guys, I'm looking at starting a company that overhauls hydraulic wing flap actuators for Bombardier Challenger 604. Thinking of doing this in the Toronto region. My prices will be half of what any of the other competitors offer. What do you think?" well that would be more apt to get you a more reasonable response from the maintenance people on this site.

[Pat Richard]

I read your posts and have said to myself "This guy has no idea what he's getting into. What kind of vague question is that? Has he done any research at all? This guy must be some apprentice who's PO'ed at his boss and want's to make a go of it on his own..."

That's what I get out of his post's also. Maybe he's just being coy, who knows, but the vagueness of the posts makes it hard to take seriously.





ahahahaha

Best of luck

[KISS_MY_TCAS]

jay, I don't know everything and will be the first to admit that, it is a desirable trait in aviation. What I do know is I am an investor, I lend my money to help other people build business for the mutual gain of both parties. Others do the legwork, I provide the capital, I have no interest in starting my own business, I am more successful as an investor in other peoples interests. From the questions you asked, I can assure you that any research you have done, is not sufficient. Good luck, but you need to work harder.

[dashx]

Look up Hope Aero and Aeropol (just to name two companies in the north end of Pearson) and you will see who they cater to.

[Rookie50]

jay, I don't know everything and will be the first to admit that, it is a desirable trait in aviation. What I do know is I am an investor, I lend my money to help other people build business for the mutual gain of both parties. Others do the legwork, I provide the capital, I have no interest in starting my own business, I am more successful as an investor in other peoples interests. From the questions you asked, I can assure you that any research you have done, is not sufficient. Good luck, but you need to work harder.

Very true. As also an investor, I look for vision and focus. And it's rather rare. Provide that and outwork everyone else, and you may have a chance.

[blackbird_007]

Well that's easy, just undercut the competition and hire minimum wage workers who can be easily manipulated. Customers also enjoy excessive bullshit and unrealistic turnarounds.

Sadly, the above statement is so true. [However, I am not referring this to HopeAero and Aeropol.]

[CID]

The "market" is well served for most components. Some of the underserved components are those that are obsolete (Dart Engines) or those that require very expensive and complex equipment to service. Based on the original question, I assume you're looking for an "entry level" niche. We don't need another component overhauler with nothing more than some paint stripper and paint and a crooked AME with a pen.

[Badfarmer]

Keep in mind, overhauling components will require an AMO certificate - that in itself is a huge hurdle to overcome.
If you haven't been able to come up with an idea of what you want to repair (overhaul) good luck proving it to the regulator by means of a Policy Manual. I do believe TCAS stated it best. Do your homework as to WHAT components you want to work on, be prepared to spend the coin on qualified personnel, tools, manuals and facilities and plan a year to allow approval BEFORE you can even make a dollar.