The Pilot Port EST. 2024 · KFXE
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Aviation Solutions

Refurbishment.

Engine programs, paint, interior, avionics, capital improvements. Vendor coordination and lender-facing data flow.

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When an aircraft needs more than a phase inspection (engine overhaul, hot-section, LLP refresh, paint, interior, Starlink, avionics), we run the program. Vendor selection, quoting, scheduling, lender-facing data flow, insurance touchpoint, return-to-service.

Each engagement is scoped per owner. Vendor and aircraft details are confidential to the client.

What's included

Frequently asked

Common questions.

How long does an SR22 engine overhaul take?
A factory or factory-equivalent IO-550 overhaul typically runs eight to sixteen weeks of shop time once the engine is on the bench, depending on backlog and parts availability. Add ferry, removal, accessory overhaul, and reinstallation, and a realistic owner-down timeline is three to five months. We sequence the program so the airplane is not down longer than it needs to be.
When does it make sense to refurbish versus sell?
Refurbishment makes sense when the post-refurb value plus continued utility exceeds the cost of the work and the alternative is buying a comparable aircraft at a higher capital outlay. Engine programs, paint, and avionics each have different payback profiles. We will model the comparison against the owner's actual mission, not a generic spreadsheet.
How do you choose vendors for paint, interior, or avionics?
We have working relationships with shops at KFXE, across South Florida, and at a handful of national specialists. Vendor selection is driven by aircraft type, scope, lead time, and reference quality from prior owner projects. We do not take vendor referral fees.
What data does the lender need during a refurbishment?
For aircraft under financing, the lender usually wants the scope of work, the vendor quote, progress photos and invoices against milestones, and a post-completion appraisal trigger. We package that data flow so the owner is not the one assembling PDFs at 10pm on a Friday.
Can you coordinate Starlink and avionics upgrades together?
Yes, and combining capital improvements into a single down-event is usually the right call. Starlink, Garmin upgrades, autopilot work, and interior refresh share shop time and reduce duplicated panel-out and interior-out labor.
Who handles return-to-service after a major refurbishment?
The shop performing the work signs off the maintenance entries. We coordinate the test flight, the squawk closure pass, the insurance re-rate if applicable, and the return-to-service handover back to the owner or the operating pilot.

What problem are you trying to solve?

Each engagement is scoped per client. Email and we'll respond.

fly@thepilotport.com