Aircraft Detailing Certification: Is It Worth It?

Updated October 2026 · By Brett Berry, founder of Shiny Jets

Yes, aircraft detailing certification is worth it if the program trains you hands-on on real aircraft and covers the business side. It is a private credential, not an FAA license. Shiny Jets training runs from $2,000 online to $7,500 for the 5-Day, and many students recoup that cost in 2–3 jobs.

What should an aircraft detailing certification cover?

A legitimate aircraft detailing certification should cover exterior washing and chemical safety, paint correction and oxidation removal, brightwork polishing, ceramic coatings, interior restoration, leather care, and business operations including pricing, insurance and airport access. If the program you are considering does not cover all of these, it is not a complete certification. Use our 10-question training checklist before you pay anyone.

Is aircraft detailing certification FAA approved?

No. Aircraft detailing certification is not an FAA credential, and the FAA does not approve or recognize any detailing certification, ours included. Any program claiming FAA approval for detailing is misleading you (here is what the rules actually say). What certification does is show FBOs, charter operators and aircraft owners that you completed formal, hands-on professional training. That matters a lot when you are trying to get ramp access and high-value clients.

What does aircraft detailing certification cost in 2026?

Hotel and travel are not included in the 3-Day.

Do certified aircraft detailers earn more?

Yes, mostly because certification opens doors. FBOs look for trained, insured professionals when they approve vendors, because it reduces their risk. Part 135 charter operators often prefer trained detailers for the same reason. And aircraft owners with expensive paint (a repaint on a large cabin jet can run $80,000 to $150,000) are not going to let an untrained stranger compound their aircraft. For real numbers, see how much aircraft detailers make.

How fast can you earn back the cost of training?

Many of our students recoup their training cost in 2–3 jobs, and sometimes with a single ceramic coating job. Results depend on your market, your pricing and how fast you start booking work.

Certification also leads to salaried jobs, not just your own business. In 2026, one Shiny Jets graduate was offered a $120,000-a-year staff position detailing a major tech company's private jets.

What does the Shiny Jets certification include?

Shiny Jets certification is earned on real aircraft at Threshold Aviation, Chino Airport (CNO), in Chino, California. Every station is inspected and signed off before a certificate is issued. Certified graduates are listed in the Shiny Jets certified detailer directory, take home our full library of standard operating procedures, and get ongoing support through the Shiny Jets community. Training is taught by Brett Berry, who has 15 years of hands-on aviation detailing experience.

How do you get certified?

1. Pick the format that fits your schedule: the self-paced Online Masterclass, the weekend 3-Day Certification, or the 5-Day Masterclass in Chino, which combines hands-on training with the online course and business setup.
2. Complete the curriculum and pass every station sign-off.
3. Receive your certification and directory listing, then follow our step-by-step guide to becoming a certified aircraft detailer for insurance, ramp access and first clients.

Frequently asked questions

Is aircraft detailing certification worth the money?

For most people who want to detail aircraft professionally, yes, as long as the training is hands-on on real aircraft and covers business setup. Many Shiny Jets students recoup their training cost in 2–3 jobs, sometimes with a single ceramic coating job.

Is aircraft detailing certification FAA approved?

No. The FAA does not approve or recognize any aircraft detailing certification. Certification is a private credential that shows FBOs, operators and owners you completed formal training.

How much does aircraft detailing certification cost?

At Shiny Jets, the Online Masterclass is $2,000, the 3-Day Certification is $4,995, and the 5-Day Masterclass is $7,500 starting with the November 2026 class ($6,995 through the October class). On-site team training starts at $25,000.

Is the 3-Day certification the same as the 5-Day certification?

Yes. Both use the same station sign-off and final practical. The 5-Day adds the online course, four business setup sessions and 12 months of Shiny Jets CRM instead of 6.

Not sure which program fits? Book a free call or compare the in-person trainings.

About the author

Brett Berry has spent 15 years in aviation detailing and has cosmetically restored more than 28 warbirds. He founded Shiny Jets, the Fly Shiny product line and Shiny Jets CRM, wrote Beyond Shiny: A Shiny Jets Approach to Aircraft Detailing, and has been featured on the cover of InFlight USA. He trains detailers at Threshold Aviation, Chino Airport (CNO), Chino, California.