Aircraft Detailing
By Renny Doyle
from Attention to Details
Read other articles in Renny's Detailing Library
Welcome and thanks for reading this opening article about aircraft detailing. During the coming months mobileworks.com along with Renny Doyle of Attention To Details will be bringing you monthly articles pertaining to aircraft cleaning and detailing to further assist mobileworks site visitors at growing their businesses.
A little about the author, Renny Doyle has been detailing aircraft since the age of 15. He is the founder of Attention To Details where they service a thousand plus aircraft a year and his staff has even provided services on Air Force One. In 2004, Renny was a speaker at The Oshkosh Air Event, Sun & Fun Air Event and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Associations Annual Conference and is a product development consultant to several major manufactures.
Many detailers contact me and ask�"Is aircraft detailing really that difficult"? My answer is nearly always the same�"Yes and No�the work is much the same as working on an automobile but the products sometimes vary greatly and the risk, liability and chance for damage is much greater".
I am afraid that the quick money of detailing an aircraft is a lure for many detailers and they fail or simply do not understand the risk, products needed or science of cleaning an aircraft. You can either become educated or you can become broke when it comes to aircraft detailing! If you are not trained and educated on aircraft detailing, its not if you will make a mistake and damage an aircraft, its when will you make a mistake and damage an aircraft! Knowledge is power and when it comes to cleaning aircraft, knowledge can assist at keeping you out of the courtroom.
First, if you are planning on detailing an aircraft, make certain you do your homework. Utilizing aviation safe products is a good start. Even simple household cleaners and degreasers can cause major damage to aircraft paint, aluminum skin and most disturbing the airframe and major structures of the aircraft. Just ask the US Army who has lost several aircraft by the misuse of unsafe and untested degreasers.
Aviation Insurance is a big deal right now and in many cases, its difficult to obtain insurance unless you look for affordable options that are available, but you will need to be serious and willing to obtain training for affordable insurance options. While insurance has become outrageously expensive, there are other options to explore that make it realistic for those that are serious about this business. If you are working on aircraft, insurance is one tool you should not be without in my opinion.
Any time you come in contact with an aircraft, you must pay close attention to every action and move. While we view aircraft as fast, strong machines, they can be fragile and it is very simple to cause damage and in some cases, even minor damage can run into the tens of thousands of dollars to repair.
Prepping An Aircraft
Any craftsman will tell you that proper preparation of a job is key to the final outcome. Aircraft detailing is no different; prepping the aircraft surfaces properly is key to having your efforts turn out with fantastic results! Again, when dealing with aircraft, always think safety first!
I. Prior to cleaning your aircraft, there are steps that should be taken to protect both you and the aircraft from possible injuries or damage.
A. Always wear eye & ear protection when operating near or around aircraft, chemicals or power equipment. Make certain loose clothing is secured so that they do not get tangled into the equipment.
B. Prior to commencing the work, check with your local airport authority, EPA or other governing authority to make certain you are acting within local guidelines. Ask about using water and if you have a wash rack or wash area to work in.
C. Make certain you are allowed to enter airport property legally. Security is a major part of airport life post 9-11. Some airports are very protective of who has access and the airports managers' office should be able to assist you with access.
D. Starting at the top of the aircraft and working front to back, perform a visual inspection of the aircraft looking for anything that could cause the cleaning to allow damage to the aircraft.
E. Make certain to cover all static ports and other openings with waterproof tape or some other cover material that will protect these items from any possible damage from water, cleaning chemicals, levelers, sealers or waxes. Any and all-cleaning materials could clog these ports and cause extensive damage to the aircraft
CAUTION! ANY TIME YOU COVER ANY PART OF AN AIRCRAFT, YOU MUST REMOVE ANY AND ALL MATERIALS USED TO PROTECT THESE ITEMS FROM DAMAGE. FAILING TO REMOVE COVER MATERIAL COULD CAUSE ADVANCE DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT OR MALFUNCTION OF INSTRUMENTATION DURING FLIGHT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH SITUATION AND POSSIBLE DEATH OF ANY OCCUPANTS.
F. Be aware of static wicks and peto tubes while performing your work. Many are very sensitive and easily broken if engage by any forceful action.
G. Most aircraft have a number of windows and these windows can be very sensitive to damage. Use caution around aircraft windows.
H. Aircraft paint surfaces are subject to damage much easier than auto paint. The shine of aircraft paint can be reduced greatly by simply using the wrong products, techniques or equipment. Use Caution when working on aircraft paint.
I. Aircraft interiors are substantially different than auto interiors. Aircraft interiors are treated with flame-retardants that assist at reducing the dangers of fire within the cabin/cockpit. Also, many aircraft interior can include some very delicate materials such as silk, ultra suede and fine leather. Using the wrong cleaners on aircraft interiors can remove or reduce the fire retardants effectiveness and or cause damage to very costly materials.
J. Be aware of your surroundings. Be certain that your cleaning does not affect other aircraft or property near your work area.
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