When
I meet someone new and they learn I work at for an airline, they typically ask what I
do. I reply, “I’m an aircraft router.” Then they get a puzzled look on
their face and ask if I work in the tower or if I am an air traffic
controller? At this point, I give them the abbreviated version of my
job. I assign flights to airplanes in order to get them to maintenance
bases to get scheduled work done, I make sure we have the proper planes
assigned for certain destinations, and I work to keep the operation going
whenever a ship breaks. Most people seem satisfied by this
response. For those who have the time and want to know more, I am happy
to tell them what I do.
Therefore,
I would like to share a little more detail about my job. Aircraft routers
are charged with three primary duties. First, we use and manipulate
the schedule in order to bring airplanes into the proper maintenance bases for work to be completed. Second, we ensure the proper aircraft is
assigned for certain restrictive flights and/or destinations. Third, we
work to minimize customer impact during flight irregularities.
Just
like our cars, airplanes need regular maintenance. Depending on the item,
the intervals between check-ups count down by days, hours, or cycles (a
take-off and landing equals 1 cycle). We use the schedule for the fleet
we work and assign flights in order have planes arrive in a maintenance station
for an over night visit where the work can be accomplished. In some
cases, work can be completed during the day but more often than not, it is done
at night.
However,
not all work can be completed in all stations. For instance, some work
may require a hanger and not all stations have a hanger. In the winter,
lube jobs must be done in cities that won’t freeze. Engine washes can
only be completed in a few stations. Therefore, it is imperative we
properly route our planes so work can be completed in the right place and in
time. Similar to limitations for where work can be accomplished, there
are some restrictions for aircraft flying to some cities.
When we fly a 757 to Quito, Ecuador, we need one with Dual HF
radios and GPS. There are some Caribbean
destinations that benefit with better flight plans when the plane has either
winglets, HF or both. We operate A320s with two different engine
types. When flying A320s into cities with high temperatures during the
summer, Delta wants to minimize any possible customer impact by operating A320
aircraft with the more powerful engines. If the A320s with the other
engines are used, luggage, freight, or even customers may not be boarded due to
lower take-off weight requirements.
If
you fly often enough, you probably have experienced a delay at departure or
even after push-back. Often, the flight departs after a short wait.
However, there are times when the aircraft cannot operate safely and a new
plane is needed. When we first learn of such a delay, my coworkers and I
proactively look over our fleet to see if there is a plane that can be used
instead. If the change can be done before the original plane can be
repaired, we switch the flight to a new airplane. Also, there are
occasions when the tower will call us to see if we can swap planes due to one
that is holding out waiting for its gate to open. We realize we are a
customer oriented business and work to minimize any negative customer
impact.
In
conclusion, when you think of aircraft routers, remember that it is our job to
ensure airplanes get to the proper maintenance bases in time for work to
be completed. Also, we assign the proper ship for the destination.
Finally, we do all possible to minimize any negative customer impact during
irregular operations.
