Aircraft Detailing Frequency: How Often Should You Clean Your

One of the most common questions we receive is "How often should I have my aircraft detailed?" The honest answer depends on several factors, and understanding these helps you establish a maintenance cleaning schedule that protects your investment without unnecessary expense.

Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency

Usage Intensity: An aircraft flying daily or weekly accumulates contamination faster than one flying monthly. Charter aircraft typically need weekly or bi-weekly attention, while personal aircraft flown twice monthly might go 4-6 weeks between services.

Storage Environment: Hangar-kept aircraft stay cleaner longer than tie-down aircraft. Coastal hangars (with salt air exposure) create more contamination than inland, dry locations.

Geographic Location: San Diego's coastal environment accelerates corrosion potential. Aircraft based at inland airports face less salt exposure but more dust.

Seasonal Variation: Summer flying creates more bug accumulation. Winter coastal conditions mean more moisture and salt. Adjust frequency accordingly.

General Recommendations

Charter and Frequent Flyers (5+ flights per week):

Exterior: Weekly touch-up wash focusing on leading edges and windshield; full exterior monthlyInterior: Level 1 service between each client or trip; Level 2 monthlyRationale: Each passenger deserves a clean experience; frequent flying means faster contamination accumulation

Regular Flyers (2-4 flights per week):

Exterior: Full wash every 2-3 weeks; degrease monthlyInterior: Level 1 bi-weekly; Level 2 monthlyRationale: Enough activity to warrant regular attention without charter-level intensity

Occasional Flyers (2-4 flights per month):

Exterior: Monthly wash; degrease quarterlyInterior: Level 1 monthly; Level 2 quarterlyRationale: Less accumulation but still need regular maintenance to prevent buildup

Infrequent Flyers (less than monthly):

Exterior: Before each flight or monthly, whichever is less frequentInterior: Before each flightRationale: Aircraft sitting idle still accumulate dust and environmental contamination

Ceramic Coated Aircraft

Ceramic coating extends the interval between necessary cleanings. Coated aircraft typically maintain presentation 50-100% longer than uncoated aircraft. If your uncoated aircraft needs bi-weekly wash, ceramic coating might extend that to monthly.

However, coating doesn't eliminate the need for cleaning—it makes cleaning easier and results last longer.

Signs You've Waited Too Long

Visual cues that suggest overdue cleaning:

Visible oxidation or dull paint appearanceBug remains hardened on leading edgesBelly grease dripping or spreadingInterior surfaces feel sticky or grimy. Musty smell when cabin is openedWater beading has stopped (on previously coated aircraft)

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

Deferred maintenance creates compounding problems:

Bug residue becomes increasingly difficult to remove, eventually etching paintGrease spreads and penetrates more deeply into paintInterior soil sets into materials, becoming permanent stainingLeather dries and cracks without regular conditioningContamination accelerates corrosion in coastal environments

Addressing issues promptly is almost always less expensive than remediation after extended neglect.

Building Your Schedule

Consider establishing a regular schedule with your detailing service:

Monthly maintenance agreements provide consistency and often include volume pricingSeasonal schedules adjust frequency based on environmental factorsEvent-based scheduling times details before trips, sales presentations, or inspections

Contact us to develop a maintenance cleaning schedule tailored to your aircraft and usage pattern.