Aircraft detailing
Posted by swatforce28@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 16 comments
What are some tips for starting an aircraft detailing business (starting with light GA aircraft) and what are some challenges to expect?
ebeing@reddit
hang out at the FBO, maybe get a job there.
you could place notes on cars in the parking lot or simply approach pilots and ask
The underside of planes is typically covered in oily dirt. So you need degreasers, specifically for aviation.
you'll need water and a pressure washer, a telescopic handle and brush, latter for high-wings and tails and some aviation glass cleaner. Interior is just like a car (spray the rag not the instruments 😄)
As others have mentioned, if you break something, it could get real expensive instantly. so, dont break anything. Stay away from corporate jets, focus on small GA aircraft.
Watch some videos on youtube.
After you deep clean, you can probably get by with just aero-glaze for the top bits.
SSMDive@reddit
Enough insurance to cover replacing a window because you scratched it. Enough insurance in case you damage paint with something like a buffer.
One bad job could not only destroy your reputation, but also bankrupt you.
Money-Evening-2624@reddit
Getting access to airports, figuring out your water source, gaining people’s, an unbelievably expensive insurance policy, serious research into aircraft-safe detailing equipment, knowing not to wipe a windscreen left to right, etc.
fuckman5@reddit
Why shouldn't you wipe a windscreen left to right?Â
anonymous4071@reddit
airlfow
Vivid-Razzmatazz9034@reddit
Definitely get some experience before going off on your own. Either through working for a detailing company or working for free on some friends planes. Also definitely do your research and get insurance because it is really easy to make a simple mistake and end up with thousands in damage
General-File-5174@reddit
Message me, worked in the aircraft detailing industry for 2 years
shrunkenhead041@reddit
You need to get experience slowly, and earn a reputation. Best to start working with someone else, but you may be able to set up an arrangement with a maintenance shop to clean planes in their shop/for their customers.
There are a lot of ways to screw up. Learn what you are supposed to do, and no when to stop before doing something stupid.
You will need insurance (unless you can work through a shop that will cover you, in which case be certain you are covered).
Ok-Money2811@reddit
The hard part of this is insurance.
A simple accidental bump on an antenna, pitot, or even just the airframe on a $50 million gulfstream with a buffer or other tool is enough to bankrupt you or target to get sued for everything you own and they will do that to get back everything they can. People and companies that own something like that have an army of lawyers on speed dial.
R4G@reddit
Did you by chance just see that TikToker who makes wild claims about what he gets paid to clean jet interiors?
swatforce28@reddit (OP)
I actually just saw it while looking online, but I know off the bat this is not a life changing business 😠all I want is a productive side hustle
EliteEthos@reddit
Challenges?
Fucking up someone’s expensive airplane because you don’t know what you’re doing…
swatforce28@reddit (OP)
😠So how do we avoid that
RyzOnReddit@reddit
Have you worked for an FBO or someone else’s airplane detailing service? This is probably a decent way to learn the products and techniques.
swatforce28@reddit (OP)
Ok sounds good, I’ll try that out.
rFlyingTower@reddit
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