Prop vs. Jet: What Goes Into a Pro Aircraft Detail?

At the end of the day, whether you’re flying a Cessna or a Citation, the goal is the same: protection and pride of ownership. But the "how" looks very different depending on what's spinning (or burning) on your wings. Here’s how we break down the work at Van Nuys Clean Aircraft when we step onto the tarmac.

The Propeller Plane: Managing the Mess

Prop planes—especially those with reciprocating engines—are "dirty" flying planes. We spend most of our time dealing with oil and bugs.

• The "Face" of the Plane: We don't just wipe the propellers and spinners; we polish them to a mirror finish. It’s the first thing people see.
• The Boot Treatment: If you’ve got de-ice boots, we use specialized rubber conditioners to keep them supple and jet-black, preventing that ugly gray oxidation.
• Degreasing the Belly: Reciprocating engines love to spit oil. We get under the cowling with heavy-duty (but paint-safe) degreasers to remove that stubborn grime that standard washes miss.
• Bug Removal: We focus heavily on the leading edges to clear off acidic bug guts that can eat into your sealant over time.

Typical Investment: For a standard exterior detail, you’re usually looking at $100 to $1,000 depending on the size and the state of the paint.

The Business Jet: High-Speed Precision

Jet detailing is less about "grease" and more about "soot" and "shine." Everything is on a larger, more complex scale.

• Brightwork is King: This is where we really stand out among our competition. We spend hours machine-polishing the leading edges and engine intakes to a chrome-like finish.
• Nacelle Care: Jet exhaust leaves a specific type of carbon soot. We deep-clean the engine tubes and cowlings to prevent that soot from staining the specialized alloys.
• The "Living Room" Experience: A jet cabin is a high-end office. We’re doing deep leather conditioning, polishing wood veneers, and meticulously steam-cleaning carpets. Sometimes, we even pull seats to ensure no corner is left untouched.
• Specialized Alloys: Jets use exotic metals that require specific pH-neutral chemicals. Using the wrong "soap" here can be a six-figure mistake.

Typical Investment: Because of the specialized tools and man-hours, a professional jet detail usually starts around $600 and can climb past $2,500 for larger cabins.

Which One Do You Need?

We are happy to help keep both types of birds looking sharp.  It's just the "why" that is different:

• Props need us to fight off oil and protect rubber boots.
• Jets need us to maintain that high-gloss "Brightwork" and keep the complex interior feeling like a five-star hotel.

Call us to discuss your aircraft detailing needs!