start an aircraft washing business

Do you love airplanes and want to start an airplane wash service? I can’t blame you, since I did the same. After cleaning thousands of planes over the years, I paid for my flight school, first planes, and then started an airplane washing franchise as a module of another franchise company I had founded. Called Aircraft Wash Guys, we learned early on what it takes to satisfy aircraft owners, FBO Fixed Base Operators, and primary pilots. We always specialize in aircraft washing and polishing. We have cleaned thousands of private planes, corporate jets, flying clubs, flight schools and helicopters. My Car Wash Guys company was originally founded over twenty years ago and began as an aircraft wash service.

As you know, aviation people are serious about flying, and a clean plane makes flying more fun and enjoyable. Corporate fliers need it to maintain their positive image. When you are in the aircraft washing business, you will not only be washing the exteriors of airplanes, but you must also have carpet cleaning capabilities. Many of our crew members are also private pilots and it pays to have pilots as part of your team of employees. For more information on aircraft washing, I’ve put some additional ideas online to help you out.

http://www.aircraftwashguys.com/aircraftbbs

We have always kept our prices low and go for volume, you may want to do this or charge the going rate. Our rates are on the lower end of the spectrum and this will give you a good starting point for pricing.

Simple engines $20.00-45.00 wash, wax $60.00-140.00, weekly wash $20.00;

Twin Engines $45.00-90.00 wash, wax $90.00-240.00, weekly wash $40.00; Corporate jets $90.00-140.00 wash, wax $180.00-400.00, weekly wash $80.00;

Helicopters $30.00-100.00 wash, wax $45.00-180.00, weekly wash $30.00. Carpet shampoo, bright work and aluminum polish, etc. Usually we will give customers free estimates.

You will need to perform these services on the client’s schedule and generally accommodate, immediate services, day or night, evenings and weekends. Customizing your services with the client’s requirements should become your specialty. You will also need the following things:

Two million in liability insurance

Silent machines and uniformed professional teams

Monthly invoice by number “N”

Onboard water recovery device, EPA compliant

Truck or trailer mounted unit, fully self-contained, painted safety yellow

Owning a small aircraft wash service business can be very rewarding, and while it is hard work, it can be an extension of your hobby of flying. Imagine getting paid to wash some of the newest and best planes and hanging out at the airport all day? And yes, they will even pay you very well for doing just that. Think about this.