How to Evaluate an Aircraft Detailing Proposal

A good aircraft detailing proposal tells you exactly what will be done, what will not, where and when the work can happen, how the provider will treat your aircraft’s specific materials, and what you will get in writing afterward. It also shows the provider is insured and that access has been or will be confirmed with the airport or facility. If a proposal is vague on these points, ask before you compare it with anything else.

Price matters, but it is only comparable once scope is. Our article on what determines detailing cost covers the factors behind a number. This one is about reading everything else.

Scope clarity

The scope section should let you picture the work. Look for:

• Specific areas. “Exterior wash including belly, wheel areas at a cosmetic level, and leading edges” is clear. “Full exterior” is not.
• Interior detail by surface. Seats, carpet, side panels, headliner, cockpit surfaces, and how each will be approached.
• Plain description of outcomes. What “clean” means for heavily soiled areas, and what happens if a stain does not come out.
• Aircraft identification. The type and registration, so there is no confusion about which aircraft or configuration was quoted.

If the proposal mentions paint correction, polishing, or coating, read those parts with extra care. They involve material removal or long-lived products and need a description of method, test areas, and exclusions. Our paint correction questions can help.

Exclusions

A proposal that lists exclusions is usually more trustworthy than one that does not. Expect to see things like:

• Sensitive areas (ports, sensors, antennas, seals, vents) handled only at a general level or excluded
• Transparencies cleaned only with material-appropriate products
• Registration marks, decals, and placards cleaned around gently and excluded from polishing
• Damaged paint, lifting decals, or anything that looks like a maintenance issue reported rather than treated
• Moving the aircraft, opening panels, or operating systems, which are for the owner, operator, or a mechanic

A clear statement that detailing is cosmetic and not maintenance is a good sign.

Insurance certificates

Ask for a certificate of insurance and read it. Check the named insured matches the business on the proposal, the policy dates cover your service date, and the coverage types relate to work on or around aircraft. If your airport, FBO, or hangar owner requires specific coverage or wants to be named as an additional insured, give the provider those requirements early.

Airports often set these expectations. FAA Advisory Circular 150/5190-7, on minimum standards for commercial aeronautical activities, lists minimum insurance coverage and indemnity provisions among the questions airport sponsors consider when setting requirements for businesses on the field.

Access permissions

The same advisory circular says that where individual operators are allowed to perform a single service on the airport, such as aircraft washing, the airport sponsor should have a licensing or permitting process in place. In practice, a proposal should say:

• Which airport and facility the work will happen at
• Whether access, permits, or facility approval are confirmed or still pending
• Who arranges hangar or wash rack time, if needed
• Any facility limits on water use, runoff, power, or hours

A provider who tells you access is “no problem” anywhere has not answered the question. Our article on mobile detailing access questions goes further.

Materials compatibility

The FAA General handbook says cleaning agents must be used in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual. The Airframe handbook adds that paint finishes are not necessarily compatible with each other and that aircraft often carry combinations of finishes and repairs. A proposal should show awareness of this:

• Does it ask about the paint system, transparencies, leather, and any existing coating?
• Does it say the aircraft manufacturer’s care guidance and the material manufacturers’ guidance will be followed?
• Will the provider tell you which products will touch paint, glass, and leather, or at least confirm they suit those materials?
• Will products be spot-tested where compatibility is uncertain?

A provider who promises one product works on everything is not reading your aircraft.

Documentation

Ask what you will receive:

• Before photos and notes on existing defects
• A written record of agreed scope and exclusions
• After photos
• Notes on anything found that needs a paint shop or mechanic
• Products used, if the provider discloses them

That set forms a condition record, which protects both sides.

Red flags

• Guarantees about corrosion prevention, fuel savings, airworthiness, or resale value
• Durability promises in years for any coating or wax
• Claims of FAA approval for detailing
• No mention of exclusions or sensitive areas
• Reluctance to provide an insurance certificate
• Vague answers about airport access

Proposal review checklist

Getting a proposal you can evaluate

To get a clear proposal from any provider, give them clear information: aircraft type and registration, location and storage, the services you want, known problem areas, and any airport or insurance requirements. You can send those details through the quote request form, and the proposal will respond to what you send.