Too big of a job? you tell me .

H

Hawaiianelement

I love silicone !!
Aloha DC members , I got a call from the owner of a flight school the other day .He wants to know if I'm interested in washing and waxing single and twin engine aircraft. At first I say "Of course I'm interested " . Now I'm thinking of everything that could go wrong .

So I ask can 1 man take care of a fleet of 10 to 12 planes? Top of the line has some general info about aircraft maint. It seems as though the planes are 1 stage and like polish and polymer sealants the best . I can do that .,LOL Degrease the landing gear , It can't be worse than the front rims on a BMW right? :) The website says that 3 things are certain , bugs , carbon and oil. Sounds like my old Nova .LOl.

What should I look out for being that I've never washed or waxed an airplane? if anybody has sometips or feedback it'll be greatly appreciated. I meet with the owner tomorrow . It sounds like I could have a steady client if I can pull it off .And since I work for Northwest Airlines it'll be close by..
 
I don't do planes, yet.

Insurance is the big barrier currently. I'm covered to $1 million, but the local FBO wants $3 mil or more...

Just a 'heads up'.

Jim
 
May want to do a search about this. There was a thread about this. Good $$$ to be made, however, liability as stated, is a BIG FACTOR!
 
Look up a sight called wing waxers they give step by step instructions on how to detail plaines. How do you intend to charge? let me know I'm thinking by the foot.
 
Thanks for the heads up on the insurance guys . I talked to the owner today. He has the cessna 172 ( high wing ) , Piper Aero ( low wing ) , and 1 twin. He's looking at doing some commercial pass. traffic also .with a couple of cheiftains. 10 passangers.

So I went into this blind . The head mechanic gave me the rundown on What to watch out for . Like static ports , antennas, pitcocks and other sensors . Just tape them off with painters tape and its all good. The windows are plexiglass so they scratch easy .

here's what he told me ruffly:

Wash- $50.00 6ft ladder with basic mild soap and water with nylon brushes to wash tops and panels . Hosing off is no problem . The undercarriage use a APC and a seperate scrubber while using a creeper to ease the process. Sounds like safety glasses and some dirty shirts would work. Vaccuum the inside and a general wipe down .


Wax $125 - TOL website says use liquid polymer sealant which I have by the gallon. I'll apply with a pc and take off by hand probably .

I haven't decided on a full detail with oxidation removal but I'm thinking about 300 to 400 respectively. The owner is willing to take me under his umbrella policyfor liability which is awesome or I couldn't do it . a flexable schedule and really nice people. I'm writing a proposal to him for final approval . He wants to lock prices in for a year and pay by monthly invoice. I think I can do that .

I estimate between 2k and 3k a year from this client . Not to mention everyone asked for prices on their own vehicles. maybe even 5k. a year .
 
Sounds Great!

After you wash just fireup the engine and blow that sucker dry. :lmfao :nono

Good Luck. Post some pictures.
 
Superior Shine said:
You scored! Sounds like you haveit all under control. I would hire a few employees to help you out.
Click to expand...

That's what everone is saying . In Hawaii we have the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. at just around 3 % . and the 3% is the unmotivated and uninterested.LOL. I'm soo picky when it comes to quality control.
 
Pledge is really good to use for cleaning the windows. Yep, the furniture cleaner. I won't use anything else on my Piper Arrow.

Don't use Simple Green. Allegedly it can get into the riveted seams and cause corrosion.
 
Don't use Simple Green. Allegedly it can get into the riveted seams and cause corrosion.

Good advise this will be a possible liability issue with alum.

As was suggested it like a large SUV in terms of time. I have a Cessna and use P21S wash/Iz polish/Klasse/Plexus

Good luck it sounds like a great way to expand your business (the fact that he will take care of the liability issue is a big bonus, BTW I’m a cynic and my advice is to ensure that you are indeed covered
JonM
 
Be careful of control surfaces on windy days snapping shut on your fingers. I had a Cessna aileron do that to me during preflight once. Ouch.

Also, watch out for the "Cessna Tatoo". It's what will be on your forehead when you walk into the sharp trailing edge of a wing. :angry
 
peteinco said:
Be careful of control surfaces on windy days snapping shut on your fingers. I had a Cessna aileron do that to me during preflight once. Ouch.

Also, watch out for the "Cessna Tatoo". It's what will be on your forehead when you walk into the sharp trailing edge of a wing. :angry
Click to expand...

Good advise from someone who sounds like 'been there and done that' :beat

JonM
 
i am an aircraft mechanic on cargo aircraft in the air force. those things get really filthy, even with regular wahes. bugs will be a major problem. engine soot will be plentiful and stubborn. depending on what type of landing gear these aircraft have, you might be dealing with chrome. chrome on aircraft parts cannot get chipped or scratched. if it does, the part will most likely have to be replaced. be cautious of this, as aircraft parts are priced very, very high(today i changed out a relatively small part that was bought for 8K). if you have to scrub any of the flight controls, make sure you support the other side with your free hand. if you are scrubbing on the flight control with it against the mechanical stops, it is possible that the added pressure on the stop could cause the flight control to get out of rig. this could be a big problem, because those flight controls are rigged to the thousandth of an inch. not much else other than the previously stated that i can think about. good luck.

i know this is a lot of information, but i felt that it is something that should be in the back of you mind at the very least. i hope it is somewhat helpful.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top