How Often Should You Detail a Private Jet

Exterior Detailing Frequency

Environmental factors dictate exterior care needs more than flight hours. Aircraft based in coastal regions accumulate salt deposits. Those operating in industrial areas collect particulate contamination. Hangar stored jets face less exposure than tie down aircraft.

Recommended Exterior Schedule

• Every 50 flight hours: Basic wash and decontamination for actively flown aircraft
• Every 100 flight hours: Full exterior detail with polishing and protection
• Quarterly: Minimum frequency for aircraft in coastal or industrial environments
• Semi annually: Paint correction and ceramic coating renewal

Interior Detailing Frequency

Cabin detailing depends on passenger count and flight duration. Charter aircraft with high utilization require more frequent service than owner flown jets. Food service and pets accelerate wear and contamination.

Recommended Interior Schedule

• After every charter: Quick cabin clean, vacuum, and leather wipe down
• Every 25 flight hours: Deep clean with carpet extraction and leather conditioning
• Every 100 flight hours: Comprehensive interior detail including galley and lavatory restoration
• Annually: Full cabin restoration with stain treatment and protective coatings

Signs You Need Immediate Detailing

Some conditions warrant immediate service regardless of schedule:

• Visible water spots or oxidation on exterior surfaces
• Bird strikes or insect contamination
• Spills or stains in the cabin
• Fuel or hydraulic fluid residue
• Odor development in cabin or galley
• Visible dirt or dust accumulation on leather

Cost vs Value Considerations

Regular detailing costs less than deferred maintenance. Oxidized paint requires correction before protection can be applied. Neglected leather develops cracks that demand replacement rather than conditioning. Carpets with embedded dirt need replacement instead of cleaning.

Aircraft operators who maintain consistent detailing schedules preserve residual value and avoid expensive restoration projects. The investment in routine care is always lower than remediation.

Developing Your Schedule

Work with your detailing provider to establish a schedule based on your specific operation. Flight hours, environmental exposure, passenger count, and operational tempo all factor into the ideal frequency.

Most professional operators implement a quarterly exterior detail with monthly interior service. This baseline adjusts upward or downward depending on individual circumstances.