METHOD FOR REDUCING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE COSTS AND TIME OUT OF SERVICE

摘要

A method for reducing both an aircraft's scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs and an aircraft's time out of service for maintenance, repair, and overhaul is provided. The present method is implemented by providing onboard drive means on an aircraft capable of translating torque through aircraft wheels and controllable to move the aircraft independently on the ground without reliance on the aircraft's engines or external tow vehicles. Substantially eliminating the use of an aircraft's main engines and tow vehicles to move the aircraft on the ground between landing and takeoff significantly reduces and may substantially eliminate aircraft maintenance requirements and aircraft time out of service and produces quantifiable substantial cost savings.