Aircraft exterior equipment is a long term investment into the safety and appearance of your aircraft. The two most common pieces of exterior equipment for commercial aircraft are windows and lights. There are a nearly endless series of rules regarding what you need to have in both of these areas, but the safety of your passengers or cargo, along with your company’s reputation, makes all of it worth it.

Beyond the basic windows and lights, there are products for cleaning and maintaining exterior aircraft parts and companies that specialize in cleaning and detailing aircraft. A clean plane not only resists corrosion but casts a favorable light on your company. Think about the following when looking into commercial aircraft exterior equipment:

1. Aircraft exterior lighting systems improve your plane’s visibility, both inside and outside.

2. Exterior windows are important for visibility and safety.

3. Cleaning supplies and services are an often overlooked area of exterior airplane equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find new and used aircraft exterior lighting

Your plane's lighting will make it more visible to onlookers and improve the pilot's view. While maintaining and servicing the lights can be expensive, it's important for everyone's safety. To help with the bottom line, there are many companies that specialize in used and refurbished lights.

I recommend: LaSalle Electric Supply Company is one of the largest authorized dealers in aircraft lighting systems. They have a wide variety of interior and exterior products, as well as the cabling and equipment for running them. Preferred Airparts sells both new and used parts from their own warehouses, and they aren’t affiliated with any manufacturer.

Choose aircraft exterior windows based on clarity and protection

Many factors come into play when choosing an exterior window for your aircraft. The clarity and shape of the window play a large part in installation. The protection offered to the people inside the plane, both in terms of sun protection and impacts from birds and other airborne objects, is also important.

I recommend: Great Lakes Areo Products stocks replacement windows for a wide range of aircraft. Aero Parts and Supplies carries a huge stock of exterior equipment for commercial aircraft, including material for constructing and modifying your own exterior windows.

Locate companies that specialize in cleaning aircraft exterior equipment

A properly maintained plane will reflect favorably on your company and help protect the plane from wear. A thorough cleaning should be part of every regular maintenance.

I recommend: The Proper Aircraft has a selection of products for maintaining the exterior of smaller airplanes. The Appearance Group is a nationwide company that cleans and details airplanes. They have many locations at airports across the U.S.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing exterior aircraft parts, make sure you're aware of the regulations specific to you class of aircraft. Each aircraft type has their own series of regulations that pertain to its own special designs and uses.