Why Choose Us?

Excellence in Aircraft Renovation Since 1973

We have set a new standard.

It has been our sole intent since 1973 to go beyond state-of-the-art in designing and producing the highest quality aircraft renovations.

Industry Leading Standards

Whether involving windows, instrument panels, fuel systems or interiors, every decision regarding materials, process and design is made to a rigid standard. Our talented technicians are experts in all phases of aircraft renovation. We are continuously developing new concepts in sound control, ergonomics, safety and design to enhance the performance, value and quality of your investment. Included in each and every interior done at Air Mod is a complete cabin clean-up followed by corrosion proofing*, a task which is becoming increasingly critical today, and which should not be ignored during the interior renovation process. All interior materials used, whether leather, vinyl, fabric, carpeting, insulation or foam, meet or exceed FAA standards for flammability. Additionally, the materials from which you make your selections are of the highest possible quality, ensuring the long term benefit you should expect from a shop like ours. We pioneered the study of ergonomics in aircraft seating, and have been at the forefront in the design and installation of custom instrument panels, ventilation system upgrades, passenger restraints, cabin noise control and other modifications.

*Regarding Corrosion: Due to the wide range of conditions hidden by the interior and insulation, the necessary removal of glue and corrosion prior to the application of zinc chromate is done on a time & materials basis and billed at three-quarter shop rate.

Process Overview

If there is any field in today’s world which demands an uncompromised level of quality, it is aircraft renovation. A quality job is the result of time, effort, technical knowledge, competence and a strict adherence to the highest standards.

At AIR MOD, we take this work seriously. The following is a summary of the steps involved in our doing a typical interior:
  1. Remove and secure all documents and personal items.
  2. Using temporary foam pieces, locate the lumbar, thorax and thigh support with customer sitting in existing seating.
  3. Cincinnati Avionics will test radios, intercom, autopilot, electrical components and lights for function. Findings and recommendations will be communicated to the customer.
  4. Remove and evaluate existing side panels, seats, headliner, carpet, insulation, floor inspection panels and window trim.
  5. Inspect all structures and skins for corrosion. Remove corrosion and glue from inner cabin skins, spar carry-through and related components. Chromate all inner surfaces and appropriate components with self-etching chromate (see note above regarding removal of corrosion)
  6. Clean all exposed antenna connections; inspect all systems and controls. Notify customer of any problems, and correct per customer’s request.
  7. Strip seats to bare frames, perform a complete mechanical and structural inspection, and repair as required.
  8. Install heavy sling reinforcement straps on seat frames and reinstall the original seat sling. This keeps the sling from stretching or coming loose from the frame, and eliminates future sagging.
  9. Build the height of the seat back structure to accommodate the stature of the customer (many of our customers choose this as an alternative to headrests).
  10. Build new seat foam, shaping with several densities of flame retardant urethane foam. The new foam is contoured to fit the customer as determined by measurements taken earlier.
  11. Clean, mask, prime, and paint all seat frames to match the new interior color scheme.
  12. Sew and fit the new seat upholstery. Tufting is done with hidden sewn-in rods and pulls to insure long-term structural integrity, eliminating sagging and shifting. All seams are double lock stitched to prevent splitting. All seat panels have backing foam and backing fabric to insure proper fill.
  13. Strip side panels to bare metal. Factory cardboard panels are replaced with new .020″ aluminum panels; metal panels are repaired to be like-new condition, or made new.
  14. Temporarily install the non-upholstered panels. Check for fit and lay out the new design; modify if necessary to insure ease of installation and removal when upholstered. Fill in ashtray holes if requested.
  15. Sew and mount side panels using new high-density, flame retardent backing foam.
  16. Repair, prep, paint and placard all interior plastic trim (please see note at bottom).
  17. Clean, mask, sand, fill and paint all door frames and related interior airframe trim with custom matched interior paint.
  18. Install new multi-density insulation behind side panels, in doors and behind headliner.
  19. Clean below floors and behind rudder panels as required.
  20. Clean all seat tracks. Buff or paint heater outlets and similar components.
  21. Install new windlace cord on doors. Install reupholstered side panels using new chrome or painted hardware.
  22. Strip headliner panels, and repair or replace as required. Plastic headliners are re-formed and reinforced to prevent future sagging or warping.
  23. Fit, sew and install new headliner and sunvisors.
  24. Cut and fit new carpets for cabin floor, baggage compartment and related surfaces. Special attention is given to allow for easy removal and re-installation without removal of seats.
  25. Serge all carpet edges; sew on velcro and heel pads. Insulate the underside of the floor carpets with heavy density, flame-retardant foam.
  26. Bond velcro to floors, install new carpet.
  27. Install new re-webbed seatbelts and shoulder harnesses.
  28. Install all cabin seats; lubricate all door latches and seat latches.
  29. Pre-delivery safety and function check: Twenty-five items covering the complete interior, radios, flight controls and electrical components, including a final check by Cincinnati Avionics.
  30. An A & P mechanic will make necessary logbook entries and weight & balance changes, and check that all placards are in place.
  31. Ground run aircraft to prepare for customer delivery.

The following items are not included in the quoted price of a standard interior, but are available on a time & materials basis:

  • Repair or replacement of plastic trim
  • Painting and placarding of instrument panel, pedestal & circuit breaker panels
  • Glareshield modification, repair and upholstery
  • Removal of glue and corrosion prior to the application of zinc chromate
  • Repair or replacement of damaged floor boards
  • Extra map cases, storage boxes, cup holders, gooseneck maplights
  • Re-webbing of existing shoulder harnesses and lap belts
  • Installation of new harnesses and lap belts
  • Window installations