What Questions Should You Ask A New Aircraft Detailing Service?

When you hire a private aircraft detailing service, asking the right questions is crucial to ensure your valuable asset is handled with expertise, compliance, and care. The top key questions fall into several categories, from professional qualifications to the specific processes and products they use. At Van Nuys Clean Aircraft we welcome these questions and hope you would ask any firm you might consider using.

Professional qualifications and credentials

• What specific experience do you have with my aircraft type? Experience with a light prop plane is very different from working on a large cabin jet. A skilled detailer will understand the nuances of cleaning and preserving different materials and sensative components.
• Is your team trained and certified by an aviation-specific organization? Look for certifications from organizations like the Aviation Detailing Association (ADA), which indicate a commitment to top-tier aviation care and safety protocols.
• Do you have comprehensive aviation-specific insurance? Be aware that general business liability insurance is not sufficient for working with multi-million dollar aircraft. Always ask for proof of aviation liability insurance, which often includes "hangar keepers" coverage to protect your aircraft while it is in their care.
• Do you have certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics on staff? The FAA classifies aircraft detailing as "preventive maintenance." This requires the work to be supervised and signed off by a certified A&P mechanic to ensure it is compliant and does not affect the aircraft's airworthiness. 

Products and processes

• What products they use for exterior and interior cleaning? The prospective detailer must know to use aviation-approved products, as harsh chemicals designed for cars or worse can damage aircraft paint, windows, and composite materials.
• What are your safety protocols? A professional service should have strict procedures for handling cleaning chemicals, working at heights, and taking precautions to avoid damaging sensitive components like pitot tubes.
• What are the specific steps in your exterior and interior detailing process? Make sure to get a detailed description of what is included. For the exterior, this can range from a basic wash to paint correction and ceramic coating. For the interior, it might include deep-cleaning carpets and sanitizing specific surfaces.
• Do you have a process for sanitizing high-touch areas? This is especially true for charter operations, but applicable to any aircraft.  Always ask how they clean and sterilize areas like seat belts, tray tables, and lavatory fixtures to ensure a hygienic cabin.
• How do you handle specialty tasks like brightwork polishing and paint restoration? Know that these services require specific training and expertise to prevent damage to your aircraft. Ask for their experience with these more complex services. 

Service details and costs

• Can you provide a custom quote based on my aircraft's size and condition? You want the price for detailing to be based on your actual aircraft's size and its current state. A detailer should assess your specific needs and provide a customized estimate.
• What factors will affect the final price? Some of the common factors that influence cost include the aircraft's condition, size, and location. Make sure to ask if there are any potential hidden fees or surcharges for things like mobile service.
• Do you have references from other private aircraft owners or operators? A reputable detailer should be able to provide references and showcase examples of their past work.
• What is your scheduling availability and turnaround time? Since aircraft downtime can be an inconvenience or costly, ask how long the service will take and if they can accommodate your schedule, including after-hours work.
• Can we establish a regular maintenance schedule? Be sure to ask if the company offers packages or discounts for clients who commit to a frequent service plan. This is can be a cost-effective way to keep your aircraft in pristine condition.