What to Look for in an Aircraft Detailing Company

Aviation Liability Insurance

This is non negotiable. Any company working on aircraft must carry comprehensive aviation liability insurance. This specialized coverage protects against damage to the aircraft during servicing and should include premises and products coverage.

What to Verify

• Request a current certificate of insurance
• Confirm coverage limits ($1M minimum, $2M+ preferred)
• Verify coverage includes "care, custody, and control"
• Check that the policy specifically covers aircraft operations
• Ensure the policy is current and not expired

Automotive detailer insurance won't cover aircraft damage. The insurance must explicitly include aviation operations. If a company cannot provide proof within 24 hours, move on.

Airside Authorization

Working airside at commercial or private airports requires special authorization. Operators need Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badges at controlled airports and must complete TSA approved training.

Key Questions

• Do your technicians have SIDA badges for my airport?
• How long have you been authorized to work at this facility?
• Which FBOs can you access without escort?
• Do you have established relationships with airport operations?

Unauthorized operators require escort, increasing your costs and creating scheduling complications. Professional detailers maintain their own authorizations and access.

FAA Compliant Products and Procedures

Aircraft require specific cleaning products approved by manufacturers. Using automotive products can void warranties, cause corrosion, and create safety issues.

Product Verification

• Request a list of products used for exterior and interior
• Ask for Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical
• Verify products appear in aircraft maintenance manuals
• Confirm pH neutral formulations for exterior cleaners
• Check that interior products are aviation approved

Professional companies maintain technical libraries with product approvals and manufacturer documentation. They should provide this information readily.

Technician Training and Experience

Detailing aircraft differs significantly from automotive work. Technicians need training on aviation materials, approved techniques, and safety protocols.

Training to Look For

• Aviation detailing certification or manufacturer training
• Experience with your specific aircraft type
• Knowledge of different paint systems (clear coat vs single stage)
• Understanding of composite materials and their care
• Familiarity with aviation leather and fabric types
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris) awareness training

Ask how long lead technicians have worked on aircraft. Years of automotive experience don't translate directly to aviation proficiency.

References and Track Record

Established aircraft detailers work with management companies, charter operators, and private owners who will provide references.

Reference Questions

• Request references from owners of similar aircraft
• Ask how long they've served existing clients
• Verify they work with reputable FBOs or management companies
• Check if any clients have had damage claims or disputes
• Look for long term relationships (years, not months)

Companies unwilling to provide references or those with only short term clients may indicate quality or reliability issues.

Service Availability and Response Time

Aircraft operations don't follow 9 to 5 schedules. Professional detailers understand this and offer appropriate availability.

Scheduling Considerations

• Can they accommodate last minute requests?
• Do they offer after hours or weekend service?
• What's typical response time for urgent needs?
• Can they handle multiple aircraft for fleet operators?
• Do they have sufficient staff to meet deadlines?

Charter operators need detailers who can turn aircraft between flights. Private owners may have more flexibility but still value responsiveness.

Pricing Structure and Transparency

Professional operators provide clear, detailed estimates broken down by service. Beware of vague quotes or significantly low prices that suggest shortcuts.

Pricing Red Flags

• Quotes far below market rates
• Unwillingness to provide written estimates
• Vague descriptions of services included
• Pressure to commit immediately
• Payment required in full upfront
• No itemization of services and costs

Quality aircraft detailing has a cost floor based on insurance, approved products, and trained labor. Suspiciously low prices indicate corners being cut somewhere.

Communication and Professionalism

How a company communicates before service predicts how they'll handle issues during service.

Communication Standards

• Responds to inquiries within 24 hours
• Provides clear, detailed service explanations
• Documents pre and post service conditions
• Communicates if unexpected issues arise
• Follows through on commitments

Warning Signs to Avoid

Certain indicators suggest you should look elsewhere:

• No aviation liability insurance or expired coverage
• Primarily automotive detailer expanding to aircraft
• Cannot provide product SDS or approvals
• No airside authorization at your airport
• Unwilling to provide references
• Pressure tactics or urgency to book
• Claims "we use the same products as cars"
• No knowledge of your aircraft type

Making Your Selection

Interview at least 2 3 companies before committing. Ask the questions above and compare responses. The right detailer will answer confidently, provide documentation readily, and demonstrate aviation specific knowledge.

Your aircraft represents a significant investment. The detailing company you choose should reflect the same standards of professionalism and safety that you expect from all aviation service providers.