The airplane detailing thing. You will be fine using wireless mics at an airport as long as the mic is modern. Newer wireless microphones use UHF frequencies while Airband is VHF
I’ve been thinking about starting a small auto detailing business but it seems as if in my area a whole bunch of people have already thought of that so I felt like I’d have no chance with all the competition and I gave up on the idea. I’m now realizing that I can use one of my passions (Aviation) to my advantage and do Automobile AND Aircraft detailing in order to expand my possible clients and increase my chances of success!
really nice to hear that you´re planning some more plane detailing videos. i´m often thinking about how to improve the procedure(most planes/gliders have a polyester coating and are "polished" with very abrasive agents and rotary buffers, resulting in bad holograms) keep up the good work!
An aircraft detailing series would be wing-rockin' cool to see. Address approved and non-approved products for surface restoration including tips-n-tricks for healthy weather-resistant aircraft surfaces.
Nice job Larry, having clean surfaces on the airfoils of modern wings is extremely important for performance. You may have gained back the owner a few MPGs :-)
That was neat! I wish we could see the entire before and after but I'm guessing you couldn't because of time constraints and or the environment you were working in.
You mentioned near the end that you put a skin on the surfaces after all the buffing is done, is this a film skin or a spray skin, what is the skin you're referring to?
Larry I see that you are using the Festool Shinex RAP-150 rotary. That is one of the top rotary's. I was torn between the RAP-150 and the Flex PE14-2.. I went with the Flex since I already had a Flex 3401.
The point that you could make about detailing/restoring the paint on the plane is that it is both cheaper and faster than re-painting. I think that the reason for your audience might be a light-bulb went off in your bystanders head. They just realized that they might be able to the same on their planes.
there sure is. The Piaggio Avanti jet's fuselage needs to be kept clean constantly, because if its not kept smooth and bug free, it can loose up to 8% of lift!
Larry I have a buddy with a boat that needs detailing pretty bad. Would the process be the same? I was a little hesitant to help him as I've never detailed anything gel coat. Thanks for the awesome video. Always very informative!
i know this is gonna be a noob question, but why do you always go in straight lines while applying product/ wet sanding when ive always heard circular motions are whats best? you are a master of your craft, im a big fan and amazed someone can make washing cars so interesting lol
Hello, I am a polisher at an Auto Body shop and I recently was approached to do a job polishing/detailing a small aircraft. So, I was curious as to-what kind of compound did you use for this airplane? I hear that it needs to be FAA certified. I currently use 3M Perfect-It for automobiles and other vehicles. Awesome Videos by the way I just recently subscribed to your page and I am loving your video posts keep up the awesome work!
One year after looks like no one replies to your question, let me explain to you something quick. First, you don't need one FAA certification to wash or do paint correction on any airplane. The FAA certification is very specific about for what you need the certification and you can read the information on this link (www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/certification/) Second, work with airplanes is totally different than cars. Airplanes and the owners are extremely sensitive. The owners expecting you to treat the airplane like a baby and in fact, you need to treat the airplane in that way. Exist different parts you can't touch with water when you washed and also other parts you can't touch with a buff machine. This guy just sanded and buffed the wings on this video but he never shows on camera how he washed the airplane or do the all detailing job. Airplanes are very delicates, you can't wash an airplane with a regular pressure washer in special Cessna models. If you use the pressure washer you run the risk of peal the paint. You probably think you can clean the airplane windows like a windows car and the answer is no. Airplane windows are made with plexiglass and you need to be extremely careful or you make scratches on them. Finally, the idea is airplanes are not the same as cars. You can get a huge liability issue and cost you hundreds of dollars to repair your mistake. One youtube video never gonna show you or teach you exactly the problems on a real scenario, just be careful and good luck.
Excellent info, I just gotta ask.... how much do you charge for a job like this? I'm interested in possibly detailing at my local airport but I don't have a clue as to what to charge. Thanks👍
Great vid as always! Maybe its just me but you seem to use a DA polisher most often now? is it that little of a difference between these days DA:s and the rotary or is there some other reason you dont use a rotary? :)
Larry great video as usual. I'm an international airline pilot, your wireless mic would of been just fine to use. It would not have caused any problems with ATC. If someone told you otherwise, they really had no clue how aviation radios work.
As long as you don't mess with the control surfaces, everything should be fine. But as soon as you start talking about mechanically removing any material from the elevators or ailerons, be sure to have an A&P check everything and sign off on it.
Although the sound quality wasn't the greatest (as you stated, not allowed to have cordless mic) very informative video. My question is, is there ever a time when it's necessary to measure the paint on an aircraft before paint correction? I assume the most common contamenants can come from take off and landing, also heavy sun exposure, what else would effect the plane's finish? Thanks Larry. Keep it up!
I haven't had good results with the Carbon-X. It's almost like the soot is baked on. As for the fuselage, I'm not actually wanting to polish the rivets, just fix the paint. It's a Bell 206.
You mentioned you put a layer of Ammo skin on. Be careful as just about anything done on a plane has to be approved (by authorities of each country the plane is registered in). This is why waxes and the like for aircraft are quite specialized. However the FAA may have started making exceptions.
I think a dirty/scratched surface would actually be better. They did some test on Mythbusters about car economy and the dirty car did better miles to the gallon. Then again, it was on Mythbusters.
I don't own a Cirrus so maybe the Cirrus owners can provide some feedback on this. I know the Cirrus has a composite airframe and the airframe at least on the older models is limited to 4000 hrs or so. Is any of this harmful to the airframe? I know it shouldn't be but just wanted to confirm that the wet sanding isn't hurting the composite airframe.
No, he probably has a much lower chance of burn through because the pain is thicker and he likely has to worry less about heat because the composite won't warp like aluminum. Normally you have to be extremely careful when buffing aircraft because aluminum will warp easily
Larry, Big Fan!!!! I'm a pilot and as observant as you are I'm sure you did a fine job. Were you working under the supervision of a I.A. ???? There's just so many things that you have to be aware of when working around planes, which noted when you taped off the static vacuum. The average detailer/non-pilot could do something to the plane and not even know it! Granted you are not an average detailer by any way shape or form! Amazing the surface area on an airplane! It takes forever,
I have several planes to practice on. What are some techniques ( besides wet sanding and buffing) I can work on to become comfortable working on planes. Also what are the products I need to get started detailing aircraft? Can I use some of the same products and equipment as I use in my auto detail shop Facebook.com/937Clean
The airplane detailing thing. You will be fine using wireless mics at an airport as long as the mic is modern. Newer wireless microphones use UHF frequencies while Airband is VHF
the buffer part where it looks like it stops, is called the wagon wheel effect
2:51: Those are static ports. They measure ambient air pressure for the altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and airspeed indicator.
Thx for watching everyone.
I’ve been thinking about starting a small auto detailing business but it seems as if in my area a whole bunch of people have already thought of that so I felt like I’d have no chance with all the competition and I gave up on the idea. I’m now realizing that I can use one of my passions (Aviation) to my advantage and do Automobile AND Aircraft detailing in order to expand my possible clients and increase my chances of success!
Nice work. I like the difference between the before and after shots. It's pretty amazing what a little work can do, even on a plane.
Awesome work as usual!
Another great video Larry!
really nice to hear that you´re planning some more plane detailing videos.
i´m often thinking about how to improve the procedure(most planes/gliders have a polyester coating and are "polished" with very abrasive agents and rotary buffers, resulting in bad holograms)
keep up the good work!
Great video! Keep them coming
Working on my dream plane. Great work!
Wowww that's a big difference, keep shooting videos, I enjoy it!
Great as always!
This is Great!
Keep it going Larry :)
Very cool Larry. Ammo products work at sea level and up in the atmosphere.. pretty neat.
Awesome video , thanks for sharing!
i hope you bring more planes an other wild stuff ^^
Ammo your always here when I get new challengers in my business
An aircraft detailing series would be wing-rockin' cool to see. Address approved and non-approved products for surface restoration including tips-n-tricks for healthy weather-resistant aircraft surfaces.
Agree.
That was really cool. I never thought that airplanes needed this kind of work as well.
Amazing. Love from the uk
Im glad you made this video on the plane. Im sick of seeing videos of people doing crap work on planes.
Nice job Larry, having clean surfaces on the airfoils of modern wings is extremely important for performance. You may have gained back the owner a few MPGs :-)
need to do more videos with the end result added. would like to see how it all tourned out pretty much on all videos
Thx for showing it to everyone ;-)
I bet doing an entire air-frame would improve coefficient of drag in a measurable way. Very cool stuff.
Larry another great video you never let us down! how do you do it !??!
Would this be the same process for doing an enclosed race car trailer?
Alright. I want to see Larry working on a fighter jet or space shuttle next... in space! :D Thanks again, Larry!
We all have Modern Day inspirations and Larry is definitely one of mine.
The video could even be bad... but just because it's a plane... thumbs up button pressed as soon as I opened the video! :)
Who else details planes?
Next time on Ammo NYC how to restore a 747
I know this is late but they came close with a 707
Little did you know...
That was neat! I wish we could see the entire before and after but I'm guessing you couldn't because of time constraints and or the environment you were working in.
can i use an ceramic coating for an aircraft? Can i simple take an ceramic coating as used by cars?
Awesome!
Nice video :) Can you wet sand the same way with a rotary machine instead of DA ? And what speeds should be used ?
You mentioned near the end that you put a skin on the surfaces after all the buffing is done, is this a film skin or a spray skin, what is the skin you're referring to?
Which bandwagon?
Larry I see that you are using the Festool Shinex RAP-150 rotary. That is one of the top rotary's. I was torn between the RAP-150 and the Flex PE14-2.. I went with the Flex since I already had a Flex 3401.
Have you ever done a badly faded (oxidized) fiberglass RV? Is is possible to get rid of the yellowing?
i wonder if there is any drag reduction from having the surface smoother and would result in less fuel consumption?
New camera? The quality is amazing. Looks like a 5D : )
That flew right over my head the first time I read that comment (no pun intended lol) then I got it the 2nd time ha ha
Any suggestions on removing carbon trails from turbine soot? Also, what would be the best way to restore/polish with riveted fuselage?
Yes!
Did you finish with the wool pad? Could the finish of been better with a finish polish pad and polish?
The point that you could make about detailing/restoring the paint on the plane is that it is both cheaper and faster than re-painting. I think that the reason for your audience might be a light-bulb went off in your bystanders head. They just realized that they might be able to the same on their planes.
Great video Larry! Nice change of pace from cars to planes!
Larry i ordered ammo lather a few days ago and i was just wondering if it shipped yet or theres a arrival date. My receipt didn't state this.
Detailing a frigging airplane. Didn't expect that :D
cool vid : )
I dont even own a plane, but hey, I like your videos, so ill watch it anyways
there sure is. The Piaggio Avanti jet's fuselage needs to be kept clean constantly, because if its not kept smooth and bug free, it can loose up to 8% of lift!
What kind of wax do you use? I have a 1989 Cessna to detail tomorrow. Thanks
You had a really nervous look on your face when the inspectors walk past. Lol, I know that feeling.
Larry I have a buddy with a boat that needs detailing pretty bad. Would the process be the same? I was a little hesitant to help him as I've never detailed anything gel coat. Thanks for the awesome video. Always very informative!
How much does one even charge to detail a plane?
JosrRocks thousands
I’d quote that job for about $4-5000
i know this is gonna be a noob question, but why do you always go in straight lines while applying product/ wet sanding when ive always heard circular motions are whats best? you are a master of your craft, im a big fan and amazed someone can make washing cars so interesting lol
Hello, I am a polisher at an Auto Body shop and I recently was approached to do a job polishing/detailing a small aircraft. So, I was curious as to-what kind of compound did you use for this airplane? I hear that it needs to be FAA certified. I currently use 3M Perfect-It for automobiles and other vehicles.
Awesome Videos by the way I just recently subscribed to your page and I am loving your video posts keep up the awesome work!
One year after looks like no one replies to your question, let me explain to you something quick. First, you don't need one FAA certification to wash or do paint correction on any airplane. The FAA certification is very specific about for what you need the certification and you can read the information on this link (www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/certification/)
Second, work with airplanes is totally different than cars. Airplanes and the owners are extremely sensitive. The owners expecting you to treat the airplane like a baby and in fact, you need to treat the airplane in that way. Exist different parts you can't touch with water when you washed and also other parts you can't touch with a buff machine.
This guy just sanded and buffed the wings on this video but he never shows on camera how he washed the airplane or do the all detailing job.
Airplanes are very delicates, you can't wash an airplane with a regular pressure washer in special Cessna models. If you use the pressure washer you run the risk of peal the paint. You probably think you can clean the airplane windows like a windows car and the answer is no. Airplane windows are made with plexiglass and you need to be extremely careful or you make scratches on them.
Finally, the idea is airplanes are not the same as cars. You can get a huge liability issue and cost you hundreds of dollars to repair your mistake. One youtube video never gonna show you or teach you exactly the problems on a real scenario, just be careful and good luck.
Excellent info, I just gotta ask.... how much do you charge for a job like this? I'm interested in possibly detailing at my local airport but I don't have a clue as to what to charge. Thanks👍
Great vid as always! Maybe its just me but you seem to use a DA polisher most often now? is it that little of a difference between these days DA:s and the rotary or is there some other reason you dont use a rotary? :)
Larry great video as usual. I'm an international airline pilot, your wireless mic would of been just fine to use. It would not have caused any problems with ATC. If someone told you otherwise, they really had no clue how aviation radios work.
As long as you don't mess with the control surfaces, everything should be fine. But as soon as you start talking about mechanically removing any material from the elevators or ailerons, be sure to have an A&P check everything and sign off on it.
how do i fix my car!? someone sprayed a single line of spraypaint onto my g35. how can i get it off?
Although the sound quality wasn't the greatest (as you stated, not allowed to have cordless mic) very informative video. My question is, is there ever a time when it's necessary to measure the paint on an aircraft before paint correction? I assume the most common contamenants can come from take off and landing, also heavy sun exposure, what else would effect the plane's finish? Thanks Larry. Keep it up!
where can i get ammo stickers or emblems?
I haven't had good results with the Carbon-X. It's almost like the soot is baked on.
As for the fuselage, I'm not actually wanting to polish the rivets, just fix the paint. It's a Bell 206.
When do you get your Mercedes van Larry?
My thoughts exactly. If the lavalier mics are causing a problem with the tower and other airport communications, then you have bigger problems...
What would be the proper step to wash an airplane and then give it a good wax
i'm not speaking about Larry :D but the guy who's helping him :D
Hi Larry, I need some tips on a car im looking to buy. Where can I contact you to chat, thanks.
he's the boss
I hope Larry didn't forget to put on an AMMO decal on the window. Let everyone else in the air and on the tarmac know whats up.
Detail tanks next!
I'll be doing this on my G4
I probably built your G4...I use to work for Gulfstream. Small world after all
@ revmotor..IKR...??? Like they say, "The sky's the limit!" LOL
How much do you charge for a plane that size?
I have a job and is my first time washing a plane, I have no idea how much I have to charge
Hey I detail aircraft in southern Ontario, feel free to shoot me an email. Cole@bishopsaviation.com I’d be happy to give some advice
Did you get the whole plane done in one day ?
try paint thinner on a microfibre towel and rubbing the area
cool
did the pilot notice any difference while in the air ?
You mentioned you put a layer of Ammo skin on. Be careful as just about anything done on a plane has to be approved (by authorities of each country the plane is registered in). This is why waxes and the like for aircraft are quite specialized. However the FAA may have started making exceptions.
calls a cirrus old HA, and Larry i could not help but notice the pitot tubes and static ports were not covered BIG NO NO
I think a dirty/scratched surface would actually be better. They did some test on Mythbusters about car economy and the dirty car did better miles to the gallon.
Then again, it was on Mythbusters.
He did a video on that.
Brilliant, it seems nothing phases you. Paint is paint i guess whether or not it's an airplane or a car.
You really love your wax :)
I don't own a Cirrus so maybe the Cirrus owners can provide some feedback on this. I know the Cirrus has a composite airframe and the airframe at least on the older models is limited to 4000 hrs or so. Is any of this harmful to the airframe? I know it shouldn't be but just wanted to confirm that the wet sanding isn't hurting the composite airframe.
Of course not.
No, he probably has a much lower chance of burn through because the pain is thicker and he likely has to worry less about heat because the composite won't warp like aluminum. Normally you have to be extremely careful when buffing aircraft because aluminum will warp easily
So the service life of the plane is 4000 hours? That's not much.
The limit was raised to 12,000 hours in 2004
Next time of AMMONYC, we restore a boat. :D
Larry, Big Fan!!!! I'm a pilot and as observant as you are I'm sure you did a fine job. Were you working under the supervision of a I.A. ???? There's just so many things that you have to be aware of when working around planes, which noted when you taped off the static vacuum. The average detailer/non-pilot could do something to the plane and not even know it! Granted you are not an average detailer by any way shape or form! Amazing the surface area on an airplane! It takes forever,
Detailing airplanes is where the money is at
What about motorcycles?
How did it feel like to be asked to clean a plane?
That SR20 isn't old either. It's an 07
PSA - complete ear/speaker destruction mode begins at 4:48
Is that guy an employ of Ammo Inc. ? :D
I clicked the link thinking, "Interesting. Some dude detailing a whole plane."
Then I thought, "Ohmygawd! It's Larry!"
Who else, right!?
I have several planes to practice on. What are some techniques ( besides wet sanding and buffing) I can work on to become comfortable working on planes. Also what are the products I need to get started detailing aircraft? Can I use some of the same products and equipment as I use in my auto detail shop Facebook.com/937Clean
Its easy on a composite airplane, not as easy when you're dealing with rivets on a metal aircraft.