Discover what's next for your dream plane! Our short and informative articles on maintenance and upkeep have got you covered. From initial communication to post-visit follow-ups, we'll guide you through every step. With over 70 years of experience and a commitment to customer needs, we're ready to dive in. Missed an article? Check out the full series here [https://23271417.hs-sites.com/so-you-own-and-operate-an-aircraft.-now-what].
Join us on a delightful detour as we explore the exciting realm of paint and interior refurbishment. In this brief article, we'll uncover the key questions and topics involved in designing your dream interior and paint scheme. With a lot to consider, the rewards of this journey are truly worthwhile. So, let's dive right in! 
Starting with the captivating world of interiors! This is your chance to infuse your favorite colors and create a truly personalized atmosphere in the sky. Gone are the days of settling for "just brown or gray." Prepare to be amazed as the designer incorporates your favorite elements into the design, whether it's inspired by your beloved exotic car or the cozy ambiance of your Aspen winter home. With endless possibilities, take the time to dream a little and let your imagination soar. It is an opportunity well worth embracing!
Before the fun part of design, picking a refurbishment facility is also incredibly important.
- Look for a facility with extensive experience and multiple positive testimonials.
- Ensure the facility has prior experience performing interior upgrades on your specific aircraft type.
- Make sure your facility has deep experience in maintenance and avionics on this type of aircraft. Many systems will be touched when everything comes out and you need to have complete confidence that everything will be in full working order when you pick up the plane.
- Plan to take advantage of the downtime to consider additional maintenance or avionics work alongside the interior refurbishment, as accessibility to exposed systems can result in cost savings.
- Find a facility with an experienced, dedicated on-staff designer. They will guide you from conception to completion, delivering an interior that aligns with your vision and mission.
After selecting your facility, the next step is to engage with the design team. Their initial focus will be on actively listening to you. They want to understand what brings you joy, how you utilize the plane, and who or what will be accompanying you, including pets or belongings. Throughout the conversation, they will explore various topics and delve into areas such as:
- Carpets, sidewalls, and ceilings.
They will show you many options that work well with how the plane is used and how they perform in varying weather conditions. - Leathers and fabrics.
Seats with leather, couches with fabric, or whatever you want. Experienced designers will advise on what normally works, and why, and will also give you options you have never thought of or heard of – that’s their job and passion. - Woodwork.
You will discuss how the current setup and colors work with your new design scheme. Remember that even if the colors match well, leaving the existing woodwork is like reworking your home kitchen but retaining the existing cabinets. They may be the right color, but they will now be the “old part” of the new kitchen. You and your designer will talk this through extensively. - Cabin technology.
Now is the time to consider charging ports, sound systems, Wi-Fi options, galley accessories, and the list goes on. It can be exponentially less expensive to handle these items now rather than removing the interior “again” later. Think of it like this: the best time to get new flooring in the house is when it is empty the day before you move all your stuff in.
What about a new paint job? The same facility credibility rules apply here too.
- Has your facility painted this type of aircraft before?
- Do they have trained and experienced mechanics and avionics technicians on-site and available to work on this aircraft? Remember, your flight controls will come off, the rudder removed, antennas and other systems ports and devices will need protecting, and your landing gear will be touched and refinished. This is a full-facility team effort.
As with your interior, your design team will be your best friend here as well. You can expect to go through several things, including:
- The entire paint process.
You will walk away with a full understanding of the process from input, to prep and strip, to paint and design application, to final detailing. This also includes what you can expect to see when the old paint is removed – including possible corrosion, dents, fillers, and so on and how we address all of it. It takes weeks to do an excellent job and a great facility will not cut corners here. - Your dream paint scheme.
They can design your preferred choice or suggest schemes that complement your aircraft. They'll also address weather and flying effects on the paint, erosion areas, and maintenance considerations for long-lasting results. Stay ahead of touch-ups with their expert advice. - Paint types.
Some shops like one paint, and some like others. Sometimes the regional weather will affect what types of paint each shop uses for the best application. The team will also discuss how cool metallic and color-changing paints are, but also how hard it is to match those paints if repairs are needed later. - Composites.
These are hand-sanded areas to avoid damage from chemical strippers. Also, composites flex in-flight which can lead to future cracking. Your team will discuss all affected areas and the best ways to keep it looking great for years to come. - Fuel and de-ice issues.
Sometimes an old paint job is sealing the wings, and when removed, you may experience a leak that was not there when you arrived. They will talk through how all of that is handled, including possibly removing the fuel while it is in-work, so you can fly away with a dry and protected paint job. - Pictures and videos.
Your facility should also be updating regularly with pictures and videos showing you every step of the process from start to finish. - Your parting gift.
When done, you will receive a touch up kit and instructions on how to keep it looking great.
Get ready for an exceptional transformation that will elevate your flying experience. Your dream plane awaits!
In our upcoming discussion, we'll delve into what you can anticipate when your plane is at the repair facility and the level of communication you can expect. Stay tuned for valuable insights into this essential aspect of aircraft maintenance.