For all of them, from a cost context perspective, leasing ground support equipment (GSE) is highly beneficial. Poorly managed, though, the leasing process can stall operations, drive up costs or create hazards. With the proper knowledge of what could go wrong when acquiring a lease on GSE, you can enjoy an improved process and benefits to your investment.
1. Not Assessing Equipment Needs Accurately
Not identifying exactly the type and number of GSE you need is the first problem. You will face a budget waste due to overestimating and an operational bottleneck because of underestimating.
Takeaway: Perform a comprehensive needs assessment that includes local flight schedules, seasonal use, and any other equipment backup needs
2. Ignoring Equipment Condition and Maintenance Records
A few other companies ignore the quality of the equipment and concentrate only on price. Defective GSE can result in breakdowns, delays or pose safety risks.
Tip: Before you buy, ask for detailed maintenance logs, see the equipment in person if at all possible and verify that the products meet safety standards set by the industry.
3. Overlooking Lease Terms and Hidden Costs
Beware of a low monthly rate. It may be attractive and might not include added fees for delivering the garments to your home, upkeep, and late returns.
Suggestion: Read over your contract and make sure to give special attention to any sections on maintenance duties, insurance policies or breach provisions.
4. Not Considering Operator Training Requirements
This stands even for the best of equipment, which, if not operated efficiently, becomes futile. They can result in crashes, delays and damaged equipment.
Note: Did you confirm at purchase that the lessor was giving training, or do you need your own?
5. Failing to Plan for Downtime and Repairs
If there is no plan for repairs or for replacing a unit, an unexpected breakdown can halt day-to-day operations.
Seller Response time to repairs. Ask if they have standby equipment.
6. Choosing Based on Price Alone
Although price is a significant factor in this equation, selecting the smallest payment without considering uptime, access to service, and flexibility of the lease can result in negative consequences.
Tip: The cost needs to be balanced with the quality and reputation of the supplier, as well as the level of after-sales support available.
Final Thoughts
Renting GSE is a smart way to meet operational needs without the excessive preliminary fees of ownership. Yet this requires steering clear of some common pitfalls that can consume resources and disrupt schedules. With a trusted partner such as GSE-R-US, you can count on operating an authentic fleet of professionally-kept, safety-certified equipment under precise terms and a service-oriented lease. Our mission is plain and simple: to keep your ground operations productive, secure and to minimize downtime so that you can be freed from the chain of your struggles on the roadside while delivering at those points where it matters.