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Giving Your Airplane a Face-Lift and Tummy Tuck

Here's how to justify the cost of new paint and interior for your aircraft.

A look at the new paint job on FLYING contributor Les Abend's Piper Arrow. [Courtesy: Les Abend]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An unexpected wing repair on the author's Piper Arrow escalated into a full exterior repaint, transforming the aircraft's previously dated appearance.
  • The aging interior was later completely refurbished by George Mitri of Sky Comforts, a craftsman the author reconnected with from a past project.
  • The comprehensive interior makeover, featuring new leather, custom amenities, and enhanced comfort, spectacularly revitalized the 51-year-old airplane, making it feel brand new and reinforcing a valuable personal connection.
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Who doesn’t love that new car smell? And if it’s in an airplane, even better. When George Mitri and his wife, Debbie, of Sky Comforts (www.skycomforts.com) presented me with the finished product of their hard work on the interior of our Piper Arrow, my first reaction was a gleaming smile. The fragrance of new leather that wafted out the open cockpit door was intoxicating. But more on that later.

When the airplane was first purchased seven and a half years ago, the exterior paint condition and design was a little dated.

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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