Aircraft Washing and Cleaning - Getting Started With the Right Equipment

Aircraft Washing and Cleaning - Getting Started With the Right Equipment

Many folks that are laid off are looking at some sort of business to do. Retail sales are way down, so starting a store right now, having to buy inventory or getting finance for it can be very difficult. Making a new product and manufacturing it yourself might be okay on a very small level, such as making something to sell in your garage, but if volume and demand pick up, that manufacturing is going to China.

So, what can a laid off worker that wants to start their own business do. Well, why not work in the service business, as historically that seems to do the best in inclement turbulent weathered times. There are many folks still making money with their service businesses and perhaps that is where you ought to be hanging your hat? Or maybe you should hang your hat in a hangar - at the Airport.

That's right a service cleaning business at the airport cleaning aircraft for instance. Sure, this makes sense, but there is a lot to know, for instance, one independent truck driver out of work has been thinking of getting into the business and asks;

What kind of proper equipment and cleaning products do I need?

The proper cleaning equipment will depend on the airports rules for washing aircraft and their NPDES permits, but assume buffers, reclaim devices, pressure washers, water tanks on a trailer of some type, or on the back of a small flat bed truck with a decent turning radius. There are some pictures of a few of the types of units we use here; AircraftWashGuys [dot] com.

Regarding cleaning supplies, well you must use supplies that do not cause corrosion on aluminum or might damage the paint or composite components of the aircraft. Some soaps are FAA certified and others you might use are not. If you are washing for an airline, they had better be approved, likewise if you are cleaning expensive corporate jets. You need to do your research and use what works and what is best for the aircraft you are cleaning.

After having been in the aircraft cleaning business for some 27-years I often find new entrants contacting me for advice. It is not an easy business to break into, but once you get a solid list of clientele, well it can be a lucrative business to be in, even if it is hard work. Think on this.