Airplane Washing Anyone???

[Titan Boys]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone washes aircraft, if so what chemicals do you use? I have found one guy that offers special cleaning solutions for aircraft, because you can only use certain chems from what I understand, anyone know different? Also as far as billing, do you charge by the hour or flat rate depending on the air craft? any help is appreciated... Thanks in advance...

 

[Newlook]

I had lunch with Steve Flynn about a week or so ago. He specializes in aircraft chems. www.flynndist.com

 

[Titan Boys]

Hey Carlos Thanks for the lead, I'll be contacting them...

 

[RMedbery]

Remember this is not a driveway or building. These are things that can easily kill people. I wouldnt do it without knowing EXACTLY what to do, precautions to take. If you forget to uncover a static port after washing the planes altimeter will not work. If you didnt understand that last sentence you need to do more research, or better yet, hang out with someone that does it.

 

[Danny Bates]

Remember this is not a driveway or building. These are things that can easily kill people. I wouldnt do it without knowing EXACTLY what to do, precautions to take. If you forget to uncover a static port after washing the planes altimeter will not work. If you didnt understand that last sentence you need to do more research, or better yet, hang out with someone that does it.

Don't forget the Pitot Tube also.

 

[Kemp]

I thought about it for a while but decided against it. Too much liability. The posts above are just a few points to worry about. I worked on aircraft and aircraft electronics for 20 years so I do have an idea of what I am talking about. Scratch a canopy $$$$$$. Clog ports, wet electronics, damage finishes, it goes on and on. Think long and hard and work with a pro.
Just my .02
Kemp

 

[Derek Belden]

I dont wash airplanes, but i do fly them! It would make me kin of uncomfortable if i knew the person washing the plane was there first time. I would be much more comfortable with a hand wash than with any sort of pressure. soft washing wouldnt be so bad

 

[The Cleaner]

I looked into this once and was told that there can be no pressure used?

 

[Derek Belden]

That would make lots of since, because there is so much than can get messed up! And at 150,000 to 500,000 for just a cessna 172 i dont think i would want to mess anything up

 

[Titan Boys]

Hey all thanks for the help/heads up, it is greatly appreciated. So it is going to be more detailing than pressure washing but it might get a foot in the door to do hangers and other common areas. We'll have to see only time will tell. Thanks Again

 

[Derek Belden]

that is a great way to look at it

 

[Ashley Phillips]

Charge extra if they want the tires shined.

 

[Larry Millette]

You can also put Rain-Ex on the windshield so that the birds will slide off. excellent up-sell.

 

[Derek Belden]

You can also put Rain-Ex on the windshield so that the birds will slide off. excellent up-sell.

lol that just made my day!!! It would be nice if it were true!!!

 

[Revive]

Liability $$$$$$

One thing I'll always remember about flying..

"I'd rather be on the ground, wishing I was in the air",
"Than in the air, wishing I was on the ground".

 

[precisionpower]

Pressure CAN be used, but only on certain areas of the plane. Most airlines, and especially any military aircraft have a set limit of what you can use on the boots and other areas. Aircraft washing is serious business, but very fragile. You better know your stuff before you get into it. Study teflon and all the aircraft paints BEFORE you decide to do it.