REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
RealClean Aircraft Detailing is a specialized aviation-services franchise that provides professional interior and exterior cleaning, detailing, and restoration for both general aviation and commercial aircraft. The company was originally established in 2004 in Illinois by aviation professional Dustin Zeitler.
After years of operating within a larger aviation-services organization, RealClean became an independent brand in 2019 when Zeitler and Luke Goucher acquired and expanded the business. Today, the company continues to grow from its headquarters in the Sugar Grove/Maple Park area of Illinois.
RealClean offers a full suite of aircraft-care services, including dry-wash and wet-wash cleaning, exterior waxing, brightwork polishing, paint revitalization, protective coatings, leather cleaning and re-dyeing, upholstery care, and comprehensive interior restoration. The brand focuses exclusively on aviation, using products and techniques tailored specifically to aircraft surfaces, safety standards, and maintenance needs.
Although RealClean has been operating since 2004, its franchise program launched more recently, in 2023. The franchise model is designed to allow entrepreneurs — even those without aviation backgrounds — to enter the aircraft-detailing market by providing structured training, operational systems, proprietary products, and ongoing support from the corporate team.
RealClean differentiates itself through its niche focus on aviation, its use of specialized aircraft-safe products, and a mobile, low-overhead business model.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING franchise? It costs on average between $236,000 – $414,000 to start a REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING franchised business.
This includes costs for equipment, specialized detailing products, vehicles, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount varies based on factors such as the size of the territory, the level of services offered, and whether the franchisee purchases or leases the required service vehicle and equipment.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $56,500 |
| Rent and Utilities | $0 – $5,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $16,000 |
| Computer System, Phone & Software (3 Months) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Insurance (Annual Premium) | $32,000 – $50,000 |
| Equipment, Vehicle, Wrap, and Outfitting | $24,035 – $169,613 |
| Licenses and Permits | $50 – $1,000 |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Travel, Lodging and Meals for Training | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| GPS Tracking System | $56 |
| Office Related Expenses | $500 – $1,250 |
| Software Implementation Assistance Fee | $2,500 |
| Custom Marketing & Services Activation Fee | $5,000 |
| One-Time Brand Fund Contribution | $7,500 |
| Additional Funds (first 3 months) | $80,000 |
| Total | $235,641 – $414,419 |
Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING locations are there?
Based on the most recently available data, RealClean Aircraft Detailing operates around 51 locations in total, consisting of 1 company-owned location and approximately 50 franchise-owned locations.
What is the total investment required to open a REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING franchise?
The total investment required to open a REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING franchise ranges from $236,000 to $414,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING franchise?
A RealClean Aircraft Detailing franchise pays ongoing fees that include a royalty fee of 7.5% of gross revenue, which covers continued access to the brand’s systems, support, and operational resources.
Franchisees also contribute to the brand’s marketing efforts through a required 1.5% brand fund fee, which supports national advertising, promotional materials, and overall brand development.
Who owns REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING?
RealClean Aircraft Detailing is owned by co-owners Dustin Zeitler and Luke Goucher.
Disclaimer
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