What does being "down line" refer to in aviation operations?

Being "down line" in aviation operations refers to the status of an aircraft or crew when they are away from their home base or domicile, typically at an airport that is not their primary operating base. This term is commonly used to describe situations where aircraft or crew members are stationed at a location that is not their origin point, such as when a flight arrives at a different airport.

When aircraft and crews are down line, it implies they may need to consider logistics related to repositioning for their next flight, or particular operational procedures during their stay at that airport. It is essential in flight operations and crew management to recognize and manage down line scenarios effectively, as they can influence scheduling, maintenance needs, and crew duty time regulations.

Understanding this concept is crucial for airline operations, as it affects not just the aircraft assigned to flights but also how efficiently the airline can serve its routes and maintain its schedules in response to operational demands.