21-Steps Proven Process

1. Initial Inspection
The airframe is inspected for signs of corrosion, wear or damage. Discrepancies are noted and an exact work scope developed.

2. Disassembly
Flight controls, flaps, landing gear doors, etc. are removed in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Strip to Metal
Metal airframe surfaces are stripped bare using a non-hazardous chemical paint remover. Non-metallic surfaces and internal components are protected from the stripping process with aircraft grade aluminum mask.

4. In-Process Inspection
After the aircraft is stripped, an in-process inspection is performed to identify any hidden damage or corrosion.

5. Corrosion Control
Trained technicians remove any surface corrosion from all external and recessed areas of the aircraft skin.

6. Metal Prep
Minor imperfections in the aircraft metal are corrected where necessary.

7. Skin Seams
Skin seams are thoroughly cleaned, inspected and sealed if necessary.

8. Fiberglass Prep
All fiberglass components are machine-sanded, tiller-primed with polyurethane primer, and hand sanded.

9. Recessed Areas
All recessed areas of the wing and stabilizer (where flaps, ailerons and elevators attach) are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for painting.

10. Landing Gear
Landing gear, brakes, wheel assemblies and gear wells are cleaned, sanded and prepared for painting.

11. Acid Etch
The aircraft skin is etched with diluted phosphoric acid and thoroughly rinsed to insure correct metal cleanliness.

12. Conversion Coating
A conversion coating is applied to metal airframe surfaces to enhance corrosion resistance and ensure proper paint adhesion. Alodine® is applied to aluminum and Magkote® is used on magnesium.

13. Final Prep
The aircraft is thoroughly masked to protect windows, antennas, engines, latches, tires, and other non-painted surfaces. The aircraft then receives a final cleaning to remove tine particles and ensure a smooth finish.

14. Primer
Two coats of corrosion resistant chromate epoxy primer are applied.

15. Top Coat
Four coats of Jet Glo polyurethane paint or other specified polyurethane topcoat are applied. Six coats are applied on all leading edge surfaces.

16. Stripes
Color stripes are applied using Acry Glo acrylic polyurethane per customer specifications. Standard factory or custom designed paint schemes are available.

17. Registration Numbers
Registration numbers in coordinating colors are applied per customer specifications. A variety of styles are available and each can be slanted, outlined or shadowed.

18. Anti-Slip Compound
New anti-slip compound is applied to wing walk and other areas as required.

19. Bright Work
Unpainted bright metal surfaces are cleaned and machine polished to restore shine.

20. Reassembly
Flight controls are balanced in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications and reinstalled along with flaps, landing gear doors, cowlings, inspection panels, etc. Exterior placards and markings are applied in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications. Stainless steel exterior fasteners and screws can be installed if requested.

21. Final Inspection
Before it leaves our shop, each aircraft receives a detailed quality assurance inspection.

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