Aircraft Detailing for Pre-Purchase and Pre-Sale: Making the

Whether you're preparing to sell your aircraft or evaluating a potential purchase, detailing plays a significant role in the transaction process. A well-presented aircraft commands better offers, while a dirty aircraft being evaluated raises questions about overall maintenance.

Selling Your Aircraft

First Impressions Drive Offers: Buyers form opinions within moments of seeing an aircraft. A clean, well-presented aircraft suggests an owner who maintained everything properly. Even subconsciously, buyers feel more confident and often offer more.

Photography Quality: Most buyers initially encounter your aircraft through listing photos. Professional-quality images require a professionally-detailed aircraft. The cost of detailing before photography typically returns multiple times over in final sale price.

Pre-Buy Inspection Preparation: When a buyer schedules inspection, have the aircraft detailed immediately before. The inspector will note the aircraft's presentation, and any squawks or concerns seem less significant against the backdrop of obvious care.

What to Include:- Level 2 interior with carpet extraction- Level 2 exterior with complete degrease- Window polishing if needed- Leather conditioning- Consideration of ceramic coating if current protection is lacking

The investment of $1,500-$3,000 depending on aircraft size typically returns 10x or more in improved sale price or faster sale timeline.

Buying an Aircraft

Pre-Purchase Inspection Context: A dirty aircraft should raise questions. What else did this owner neglect? Is the contamination hiding problems? Conversely, a meticulously maintained aircraft suggests overall care.

Don't be fooled by fresh detailing either—a recently-detailed aircraft being sold might indicate a seller covering issues. Look for signs of consistent care: condition of hidden areas, leather suppleness, carpet wear patterns that don't match flight time.

Post-Purchase Detail: Once you've acquired an aircraft, schedule comprehensive detailing before putting it into your service. This establishes baseline condition, removes any contamination from the previous owner's care regime, and gives you a fresh start with your aircraft.

Consider ceramic coating for new acquisitions—protecting fresh (to you) paint is easier and more effective than trying to restore neglected paint later.

Documentation Value

Whether buying or selling, documentation matters:

For Sellers: A history of professional detailing receipts demonstrates care. Include these records in your documentation package.

For Buyers: Request detailing history as part of your due diligence. Gaps in care suggest potential for hidden problems.

We provide detailed records of all services performed, suitable for inclusion in aircraft maintenance files.

Timing Considerations

Selling Timeline:- 2-4 weeks before listing: Comprehensive detail for photography- Day before inspection: Touch-up detail to refresh- Day of delivery: Final detail for new owner

Buying Timeline:- Before inspection: Request current owner maintain cleanliness- After purchase: Comprehensive detail before first flight

Market Perception

In a competitive aircraft market, presentation differentiates otherwise similar aircraft. Two identical Bonanzas with the same equipment and hours sell for very different prices based on condition and presentation. Buyers will pay a premium for turnkey-ready aircraft.

Contact us to discuss detailing services for your aircraft sale or acquisition.