Every aircraft manufacturer recommends the owner exercise preventative maintenance, which in turn will greatly extend the life of both the cockpit and cabin windows. When overlooked or neglected, these components are not only expensive, but also require substantial downtime to replace.
Each aircraft serviced or maintained properly not only reflects on the ownership of the aircraft and their maintenance standards, but also adds to passenger confidence. Essentially, this service will immediately impact the appearance of the aircraft which in turn impacts the value of the aircraft. Most often the condition of the windshields and/or cabin windows becomes a squawk item during pre-buy inspections. Sooner or later it’s a service that will be needed.
Consider the following options: Fully replacing your cockpit or cabin windows at significant cost, or utilizing a cost-effective restoration process alternative.
Based out of South Florida, Clear 4 Take Off, LLC (C4TO) has been in the aircraft windshield restoration business for more than 20 years, perfecting a system that achieves excellent results regardless of the type of aircraft. This process is accomplished with the windshield or cabin windows installed on the aircraft. On average, using C4TO’s services will cost 10 to 20 percent of what it would cost to purchase and install replacement cabin or cockpit windows. Each panel serviced is measured for thickness using ultra sound and monitored during the restoration process. Upon completion, the panel is once again measured and recorded along with the manufacturer’s acceptable tolerance criteria located in the maintenance manual.
As with any refurbished part, although not new it is a cost-effective solution to replacement.
The restoration process is accomplished by utilizing a variety of sanding discs specifically designed for aviation transparencies. The system has numbered each disc one through five, followed by polishing the surface with two rouges lettered A and B to consistently achieve excellent results.
New business venture
Having executed thousands of window repairs in South Florida, C4TO also offers a mobile service dispatching a road crew. The road crew service allows an aircraft to be repaired at the customer’s base location offering additional savings and convenience to the flight department. The window refurbishment service can also be incorporated into routine scheduled maintenance, paint, or interior refurbishment. As demand for this service continues to grow both domestically and internationally, C4TO has decided to take a unique approach to the business and share its methods and experience.
The window of opportunity is a comprehensive training period with all the necessary tools and supplies. Upon the completion of the five-day training program, each new location will receive all tools and equipment necessary to perform this task. This turnkey operation will include: an ultra sound measuring device, polishers, dual action sanders, work light, and enough repair material to completely recover the cost of the initial investment.
The training and support combined with the materials required to recapture the entire investment make this a very extraordinary and attractive business venture.
Ultimately, this service will address the issues of aging aircraft and educating the aircraft representative on the added value of this type of often overlooked service. It will also establish a network referral program which increases C4TO’s outreach and capabilities, while decreasing response time. The business model includes partnering with established repair stations or refurbishment facilities interested in adding an additional revenue stream to their bottom line, utilizing their existing facility and manpower. This business opportunity is also available to flight departments, charter companies, aircraft brokerage, and licensed A&P technicians.
Each business owner, chief pilot, director of maintenance, broker, or decision maker already knows his customers and their aircraft needs making this truly, a unique and natural addition to services already provided. Consider the simplicity of the business model and the additional revenue generated by offering this service to new and existing customers. Strategically located, each location will complement existing territories.
The C4TO management team has extensive experience within the general aviation industry and will utilize its long-standing relationships to assist with each new location. With over 75 years combined experience their vision to grow the C4TO brand has received a positive response.
C4TO will be establishing two new locations later this year, located at Chino Airport (CNO) and the other at Baltimore-Washington International (BWI). These new C4TO locations will utilize the Clear 4 Take Off brand and the C4TO network referral program. As the C4TO brand expands domestically and internationally, all promotions and advertising will include the additional locations and their point of contact information.
The current state of the economy has diminished the value of used aircraft and has also made the maintenance cost or expense more competitive, these factors alone contribute to the logic behind adding and providing this service at your shop or maintenance facility.
For additional information, contact C4TO or Thomas Esposito at (954) 415-9065, [email protected], or www.clear4takeoff.com
