The Devil’s in Your Detailer
Kevin is JetSwiss’s in-house Aircraft Rehab Specialist, and if an airplane comes in or out of our hangar at New Century, it’s under his care–from the first look, to the last wipe, to the moment it rolls out as Red Bow Ready.
“Pretty much anything that comes in and out of our building… is in my purview.”
400 Photos Before the “Real” Work Begins
Before we touch a seam, polish a leading edge, or condition a seat, we document.
When an aircraft arrives, Kevin doesn’t immediately jump into rehab work. First, he studies the asset and documents it so thoroughly that nothing becomes subjective later.
“From the time a customer’s asset arrives… we immediately start the process of documentation.”
Here’s the rhythm:
- A fast first pass observation to check major components (control surfaces, damage, static wicks, obvious issues)
- ~400 photos organized by sections of the aircraft
- Video walkthroughs
This process takes place so that we as a team can reference any detail at any point of the project. It also helps us identify issues that may have otherwise gone unnoticed and to find solutions to remedy those issues quickly.
Kevin’s initial inspection and documentation process typically runs 3–4 hours, provided no interruptions (and in the world of aviation, there is always an interruption).
Kevin’s documentation is then added to a report called the Aircraft Condition Evaluation (ACE). His findings, along with the logbook review, test flights, borescope inspection, and maintenance analysis examination, are entered in this all-encompassing report.
And a full interior/exterior rehab?
On average: 80–90 man hours. With the help of his side kick, Mitch Weiland (AKA, Mitchy.)
Quick Clean vs. Full aircraft Rehab
At JetSwiss, we don’t quick clean anything.
“You can get a wash done anywhere… but a wash is not going to clean the seams.
A wash is not going to get the soot build-up around the rivets.”
A wash won’t remove:
- Grime trapped in seams
- Soot staining around rivet lines
- Buildup in hard-to-reach corners
- “Sloppy” residue on boots that has stained paint
- Neglected gear wells that tell a bigger story
Kevin uses clean, high-quality microfiber towels for washing.
Aircraft rehab is different. It’s time-consuming on purpose. It is detail-first and process-driven.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to ensure that aircraft represents the best it can be, no matter what.”
Consistency and process are key. Kevin goes by the mantra, less is more, more often. If you maintain consistently, you rarely need a full-scale rehab.
Many Operators follow a 25-hour or monthly wash rule. Depending on how much you’re flying, sometimes that isn’t enough.
If you fly once and know that you won’t be flying for at least another 30 days, you should wash it. Contaminants in the air and condensation build-up can adhere to the surfaces of your paint.
“No different than the water coming out of your faucet at home that gets buildup on the nozzle.”
Discipline protects value. As far as aircraft waxing goes, Kevin suggests getting it done at least twice a year. If you are flying a ton, throw in another waxing and focus on the high-wear areas:
- Leading edges
- Bottom of flaps
- Nose and above windscreen
- “Impact zones”
Wax protects the ceramic coating, and it makes future cleaning easier while reducing the risk of scratching during washes.
Mission Ready
Every JetSwiss aircraft receives more than a cosmetic reset. It leaves our hangar facility mission ready!
Cockpit: Kahu (signature hula girl), flashlight, jet shades, pens, told cards, and flight logs
Cabin: Tumi “I forgot” kit, Yeti’s that fit in the cupholders, blanket, umbrella, under-seat emergency kits, and snacks and drinks (of course)
Morning bag: Oil, funnel, emergency exit pin, paper towels, and aircraft covers
Spring cleaning is not about appearances, it’s about preservation. So, we created a simple checklist that you, your pilot, or your management company can reference this season.
Download the JetSwiss Spring Cleaning Checklist here.