Washing Airplanes

[MarineGrunt]

I am planning on starting a plane washing service in order to make a few bucks to get by, and I have a few questions for everyone...

My first problem is that there are few places that have a hose to use for washing planes. Is there such a thing as a portable pressure washer with a reservoir for the water? Are there alternatives to this? I prefer not to do an entire airplane using Simple Green and Windex.

If I do this as a private service, do I have to worry about being a "through-the-fence" operation?

What concerns should I have for liability?

Any other comments are appreciated.

 

[Typhoon1244]

Forgive my ignorance: "through-the-fence" operation? I'm not familiar with that term.

 

[MarineGrunt]

Forgive my ignorance: "through-the-fence" operation? I'm not familiar with that term.

Basically it's conducting a business or operation at an airport when not officially being an airport tenant. (if I remember correctly)

 

[MarineGrunt]

Ok, here we go...

This probably answers both of our questions:

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/region/operations.html

 

[flywithastick]

watch the runoff... can't wash to the ground at EFD in Houston, I know for sure. Might "advertise" as not using spray water. Else come up with a way to catch your water... now that might work. Ever see these spray rigs on pickup trucks or trailers? Use that and one of these polypropylene temporary tank containment devices. I know it's getting complicated - thank the gub'ment, lawyers and greens. I thought detergents were biodegradable nowadays?!?!

 

[avbug]

The fact that you even mentioned using simple green indicates that you need to do a lot of reading before trying to undertake this exercise. It can blacken paint, and it's highly corrosive to aluminum (as is purple K, and a host of other degreasing agents). Then again, so is windex.

Don't use them on airplanes. There are those who do, but they shouldn't, it's not wise, and it can cause a host of problems for the airplane, later. You need to use non-corrosive agents. You also need to use ample rinse water, you should contain the rinsates (especially those containing chemicals, and any airpalne byproducts such as oil, grease, avgas or turbine fuel or oil, etc). It's hazardous waste, and you can generate large fines by municipalities and the EPA.

By technicality, you may render an airplane unairworthy if you wash it with unapproved chemicals; especially corrosive agents, and especially if you are unable to remove them from the faying surfaces. Liability? You betcha.

 

[WrightAvia]

flywithastick is on to something. The cargo guys used to wash their vans at the airport. I think one of the courier people had a contract witht the cargo company and he would get paid to wash the company vans on a regular basis.

Something transpired between him and the airport management about run off from the washing of the vans and now they have a private service come in and take the vans someplace to be washed where the water can be recaptured.

 

[MarineGrunt]

The fact that you even mentioned using simple green indicates that you need to do a lot of reading before trying to undertake this exercise.

That is exactly why I'm starting here.

 

[Salty Dog]

You might try going to a car dealership and asking who cleans their cars for them. I've seen a guy pull up in a pickup with what couldn't be more than a 55 gal tank wash a coupla rows of cars.

As them for some scoop. Since you're not really horning in on his business he probably won't mind telling you.

 

[88_MALIBU]

I would rent a hangar with a drain and hose already in it. That way you could just have the aircraft brought to your facility and not have to worry about runoff.

By the way, you probably would want some sort of insurance, scratches, dents, or a fire wouldnt be nice. I know when I washed aircraft back home I was extremely careful Ie: Use your hand for the windshield, warm water, non corrosive chemicals.

Some of the guys were a little nutty though.
I would put notes on hangar doors saying you would wash planes for a few extra dollars to pay for flight training- something innocent.

 

[avbug]

A drain in the floor is still runoff...containing it means catching all the rinsate and either disposing of it, or treating it. Simply letting it go down the drain is not acceptable in many locations, any more.

A waterless wash, or minimal water would certainly be best. Your best option will be to work from a hangar and have clients bring aircraft to you. You'll need considerable insurance if you're going to do that, however.

If you're going to be crossing the perimeter onto the ramp to do the work with a van, most municipalities and airport authorities will want to see some fairly stiff liability insurance for both you, and your vehicle.

 

[sky37d]

At GRR, they expressly forbid people from washing airplanes in their hangars, because of run-off. There is a plane washing service there, but it is expensive. Insurance would be a must, as well as a bunch of photos before you start.
A non corrosive cleaner is essential. I think you would end up having to charge a significant fee to clean a plane, just to cover insurance and clean up/containment.

 

[Imasafetygirl]

Just make sure you get a couple of hot chicks with heals...you can either work the bathingsuit route or white t-shirt.

Oh and take pictures!

"With enough margaritas you can do anything"

 

[MarineGrunt]

Who would think washing an airplane would be so freaking hard...

Nothing can be simple anymore.

 

[88_MALIBU]

just do it and keep it low profile. If your a kid they probably wont care. I got by without runoff and insurance probs for plenty of summers.

 

[flywithastick]

just do it and keep it low profile. If your a kid they probably wont care.

I think that's what that 10 yr old girl was saying about downloading music before the music thugs sent their lawyer-dogs after her!!

Most enviro law has teeth in it. Criminal penalties. be aware!

 

[88_MALIBU]

good comparison

 

[avbug]

Summer is over.