Chicago Private Jet & Aircraft Detailing FAQs

You can book directly through our online system, call our 24/7 AOG line at 630-297-2688, or text us at 630-297-2688. Our team will work with your flight schedule and coordinate directly with your Chicago-area FBO to secure a time for your service.

We recommend booking 48-72 hours in advance for standard services. However, for expedited services, we can often accommodate same-day or next-day rapid turnarounds based on crew availability.

Yes, we offer emergency overnight activation for departure-critical windows. Additional fees apply for urgent requests. Contact us directly to discuss AOG (Aircraft on Ground) or overnight cleaning needs at major hubs like O'Hare or Midway.

Our interior services range from express cabin refreshes to deep interior resets with leather conditioning and galley cleaning. Exterior services include basic washes to full details with degreasing and sealant protection. We also offer add-ons like carpet extraction, brightwork polishing, and ceramic coating. Use our online configurator to build a custom service package.

Aircraft detailing costs vary by aircraft size, condition, and scope of services. A basic interior cleaning on a light jet typically starts at a few hundred dollars, while a comprehensive detail on a heavy jet — including deep interior reset, exterior wash, brightwork polishing, and ceramic coating — can run significantly higher. Pricing also depends on turnaround requirements and whether add-on services like carpet extraction or leather conditioning are needed. Contact us for a custom quote based on your specific aircraft and requirements.

Detailing a Cessna 172 or similar single-engine piston aircraft is generally the most affordable tier of aircraft detailing. A basic interior cleaning and exterior wash can be completed in a few hours at a fraction of what larger aircraft cost. Paint correction and ceramic coating for a Cessna 172 are also more affordable due to the smaller surface area. Use our online configurator to select your aircraft type and services for an estimate, or call our 24/7 AOG line at 630-297-2688.

Pricing depends on the aircraft class (Light Jet, Midsize Jet, Heavy Jet), the services you select, and any add-ons. We provide customized quotes based on your specific needs. Contact us or use our online configurator for an estimate.

Yes. We offer long-lasting aviation ceramic protective coatings designed to withstand high-altitude environments. These advanced protection services are quoted separately based on the aircraft's size and current condition. Contact us for details.

Pre-sale aircraft preparation is one of our specialty services. We provide comprehensive detailing that includes deep interior restoration, leather conditioning, carpet extraction, exterior wash with brightwork polishing, and ceramic coating if desired. A professionally detailed aircraft photographs better, shows better, and commands higher sale prices. We work with brokers and sellers across Chicago to ensure aircraft are presented in their best possible condition.

Absolutely. Flight schools have unique needs due to high aircraft utilization. We offer volume-priced recurring cleaning programs specifically designed for training fleets. Regular cleaning maintains a professional appearance, creates a better learning environment for students, and extends the life of interior materials. Many flight schools find that scheduled monthly or bi-weekly cleanings are more cost-effective than occasional deep cleans.

Completion times depend on the aircraft size and the services selected. Basic interior and exterior services typically take 3-6 hours for light jets and 6-12 hours for heavy jets. Comprehensive services with add-ons may take longer. We'll provide an estimated timeframe when you book.

We are a fully mobile operation. We perform all detailing services directly at your aircraft's location—typically inside the hangar or on the ramp at your FBO. We regularly serve DuPage Airport (DPA), Chicago Executive (PWK), Midway (MDW), O'Hare (ORD), Aurora Municipal (ARR), Waukegan National (UGN), and Gary/Chicago International (GYY).

Absolutely. As part of our white-glove service, we handle all line service and FBO coordination to ensure seamless ramp access, hangar positioning, and departure readiness.

Yes. The Polished Hare carries comprehensive aviation liability insurance specifically structured for working on high-value aircraft on airport premises. We can promptly provide certificates of insurance (COI) to your flight department or FBO upon request.

We exclusively use premium, aviation-approved products that meet stringent industry standards. Our exterior process is built on EPA-compliant dry wash chemistry — waterless, rinseless encapsulating compounds that produce zero runoff. Interior products include specialized leather conditioners, UV protectants, and sealants specifically formulated to safely preserve aircraft materials without compromising flammability requirements or surface integrity.

Aircraft require specialized knowledge that car detailers simply don't have. Aviation materials like acrylic windows, composite surfaces, leather interiors, and avionics panels require specific products and techniques. Using the wrong chemicals can damage expensive glass avionics screens, void warranties, or create safety hazards. Additionally, aircraft detailers understand ramp safety, FOD (Foreign Object Debris) protocols, and sensitive areas like pitot tubes and static ports that must never be sprayed. The risk of hiring someone unfamiliar with aviation far outweighs any cost savings.

Dry washing (also called waterless or rinseless washing) uses advanced encapsulating chemistry instead of high-volume water rinses. This eliminates wastewater runoff on the ramp — a growing EPA compliance concern for airport operators. For FBOs, it means no storm-drain contamination, no water-recovery equipment, and no post-wash cleanup. Our EPA-compliant dry wash process is fully hangar-safe and approved for ramp-side use at all Chicago-area airports we serve.

Absolutely. Our dry wash products are aviation-approved and pH-balanced specifically for aircraft finishes including basecoat/clearcoat paint, composite surfaces, and polished metal. Combined with distilled water and microfiber application, the process is gentler than traditional pressure washing — which we never use — and leaves zero mineral deposits or water spots.

Yes. Our entire exterior wash process is designed around EPA stormwater compliance. By using waterless, rinseless technology, we produce zero discharge that could enter storm drains or contaminate groundwater. This is especially important for ramp-side operations at busy airports like O'Hare, Midway, and DuPage where environmental regulations are strictly enforced.

Our primary operational bases are within the Chicago aviation footprint. We provide regular, daily service to DuPage Airport (DPA), Chicago Executive (PWK), Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Aurora Municipal (ARR), Waukegan National (UGN), and Gary/Chicago International (GYY).

Yes. We serve aircraft owners throughout the Chicago metro suburbs. Naperville, Wheaton, Hinsdale, and Oak Brook owners typically base at DuPage Airport (DPA). Northbrook, Barrington, and Deerfield owners fly from Chicago Executive (PWK). Lake Forest and Libertyville owners use Waukegan National (UGN). Schaumburg and Rosemont clients operate from O'Hare (ORD). We also serve St. Charles and Geneva through Aurora Municipal (ARR), the Orland Park and Burr Ridge areas through Midway (MDW), and Crown Point through Gary/Chicago International (GYY).

Yes. For clients requiring our specific caliber of detailing outside our standard coverage area, we offer regional travel deployment. Contact us to coordinate logistics and discuss pricing for your location.