Air Force One Detailing Team 2022: A Legacy of Preservation

In 2022 & 2023 Car Bath Mobile Detailing was a selected member of  the Air Force One Detailing Team. Here is the background on the project. The story of Air Force One begins in the 1960s with SAM 970—the first jet-powered aircraft designated for the U.S. president's travels. This plane flew some of America's most influential figures, including John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. It continued its service through the Clinton administration. Today, SAM 970 rests at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, as a reminder of America's past. But its iconic status also brought about a special mission: the annual restoration and detailing by the Air Force One Detailing Team.

The Birth of the Air Force One Detailing Team

In 2003, a call from a Bush administration official brought renowned detailing expert Renny Doyle to the Seattle-based museum. The task? To restore and preserve Air Force One's paint and aluminum surfaces, which had deteriorated with age. What began as a small, one-off project became something more significant. This was no ordinary detail job—preserving a piece of American history was an honor. The project eventually expanded, and today, it includes detailing aircraft like the WWII B-29 Superfortress and the legendary Concorde.

Training for Detailing Success: The Gateway to the Air Force One Team

Those fortunate enough to detail Air Force One aren't just casual detailers—they are professionals who have undergone intensive training through Detailing Success, Renny Doyle's comprehensive auto detailing education program. Students complete the Advanced 5-Day Training Program, covering everything from high-end paint correction to the specialized techniques needed to restore vintage aircraft. This is no ordinary detailing course; it's the gateway to becoming part of a team that works on one of the most essential planes in U.S. history.

The Air Force One Detailing Team: A Passion-Driven Opportunity

For many, detailing Air Force One is the opportunity of a lifetime. However, it's essential to understand that this prestigious position is voluntary. Members don't get paid, but the experience is invaluable. The chance to work on a historical aircraft and preserve its legacy is something money can't buy. For those in the detailing world, being chosen for this team isn't just an honor—it's a way of giving back to the country while doing what they love.

The Detail Mafia: A Family Like No Other

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Air Force One Detailing Team is that it's not just a job—it's a family. After completing Detailing Success training, many professionals join The Detail Mafia, a tight-knit community of over 180 detailers worldwide. This isn't just a professional network; it's a support system that promotes continual growth in both personal and professional aspects. The relationships formed here are built on mentorship, learning, and a shared passion for automotive care. You're family for life once you're part of The Detail Mafia.

What Makes the Air Force One Detailing Team Unique?

Detailing a vintage plane like Air Force One comes with its own set of challenges. From the weathered aluminum body to the intricate paint job, each aspect of this aircraft demands specialized care. Team members learn unique techniques to handle these challenges, skills that can't be found in traditional detailing shops. Each year, new graduates of Detailing Success are invited to join this elite team, where they work alongside craft veterans to restore some of the most iconic aircraft in history.

The Value of Volunteering: Why Detailing Air Force One is Priceless

Although the team's work on Air Force One is unpaid, its value is immeasurable. The experience, knowledge, and connections gained are worth far more than a paycheck. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to contribute to preserving American history and building their professional reputation in the process. In a world where so many seek fame and fortune, the Air Force One Detailing Team stands apart as individuals driven by passion, skill, and a deep sense of purpose.

Detailing Success: The Starting Point for a Career in Elite Detailing

Aspiring detailers begin their road to the Air Force One Detailing Team with Detailing Success. The program covers everything from business management to advanced detailing techniques, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges. Many who have completed the training launch successful detailing businesses of their own. However, the chance to work on Air Force One is the true pinnacle for those seeking to combine their love for detailing with a sense of historical preservation.

A Closer Look at the Advanced 5-Day Training Program

The Advanced 5-Day Training Program at Detailing Success is no walk in the park. Participants dive into a rigorous curriculum that covers everything from sales and marketing, paint correction to interior restoration, making it one of the most comprehensive detailing courses in the industry. The program also teaches participants how to run a successful detailing business, focusing on marketing, customer service, and operational efficiency. It's the ultimate boot camp for detailers looking to make their mark on the industry.

Long-Term Benefits: More Than Just Detailing Skills

The benefits of being part of the Air Force One Detailing Team extend far beyond the immediate experience. Graduates of Detailing Success and members of The Detail Mafia often find that their time spent on these historic aircraft opens doors to new opportunities. Whether expanding their client base, gaining industry recognition, or learning cutting-edge techniques, being part of this team offers credibility that few can match in the detailing world.

Salary Expectations: What You Gain Beyond Money

While the Air Force One Detailing Team is voluntary, the exposure and skillset gained are unmatched. Many detailers go on to command higher rates for their services due to their prestigious background. The credibility that comes with being part of such a historic project can significantly boost one's career, attracting high-end clients who value expertise and quality.

Joining the Air Force One Detailing Team—A Dream for Many, A Reality for a Few

Becoming an Air Force One Detailing Team member combines hard work, dedication, and passion. Those fortunate enough to participate are not just preserving history—they are making it. Whether you're an aspiring detailer looking to start your career or an experienced professional seeking the next challenge, the opportunity to work on such an iconic aircraft comes once in a lifetime. And for those who get the chance, the rewards are far more valuable than money—legacy, experience, and a place in the annals of history.

The Art of Detailing Aircraft: Why Planes Are Different from Cars

While many might assume that detailing an aircraft is similar to detailing a car, the truth is far more complex. Aircraft, especially historic planes like Air Force One, require distinct skills and techniques. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the vast surface area—planes are enormous compared to cars, and their materials are often more fragile due to exposure to extreme weather conditions and aging. For instance, the aluminum skin of many vintage aircraft reacts differently to cleaning solutions. It requires specialized care to avoid corrosion or damage.

Another key difference is the intricate nature of aircraft components. Everything must be handled precisely, from the rivets along the fuselage to the sensitive glass cockpit and control panels. Detailers need to understand the engineering of these planes to ensure they don't accidentally cause damage while restoring them. This expertise makes the Air Force One Detailing Team stand out in the detailing world. They aren't just detailers—they are craftspeople entrusted with safeguarding a piece of history.

The Power of Collaboration: Working Alongside Industry Veterans

One of the most unique aspects of being on the Air Force One Detailing Team is the opportunity to collaborate with other highly skilled professionals. Each year, the team comprises a mix of new graduates and seasoned veterans from The Detail Mafia. This blend of experience and fresh perspective creates a dynamic learning environment where members can share tips, techniques, and stories from their journeys in the detailing industry.

The steam's sense of camaraderie is palpable. Unlike many other jobs in the industry, there's no competition here—only a shared goal of preserving an iconic aircraft. Many volunteers describe the experience as transformative, not just because of the skills they learn but also because of the bonds they form. Working side by side on such a prestigious project fosters lifelong friendships and professional relationships, enriching the personal and career paths of everyone involved.

The Impact of Auto Detailing Training on Career Growth

Graduating from the Detailing Success program and being selected for the Air Force One Detailing Team can significantly impact a detailer's career trajectory. Many team members report an increase in their business once clients learn about their involvement in this prestigious project. Saying you've detailed Air Force One is a powerful selling point, adding a layer of credibility that can set a business apart from its competitors.

It's not just about the prestige, though. The advanced skills taught at Detailing Success equip detailers with the tools they need to handle high-end vehicles and delicate projects with confidence. The lessons learned during the training program and on the job can be applied to various detailing scenarios, from luxury cars to vintage restorations. For many, the experience serves as a launchpad into more specialized markets, allowing them to command higher rates and offer more exclusive services.

Beyond the Aircraft: Expanding Opportunities Through the Detail Mafia

Being part of the Air Force One Detailing Team also opens doors to other exciting opportunities. The Detail Mafia is involved in several high-profile projects, ranging from concours d'elegance car shows to military aircraft restorations. This network provides ongoing education and resources, ensuring that members stay at the cutting edge of the industry. The ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals like Renny Doyle and other trade veterans ensures that members continue to grow and refine their skills long after their initial training.

Additionally, members of The Detail Mafia often volunteer their services for charitable causes and community events. These experiences not only allow detailers to give back but also to gain exposure in different sectors of the industry. Many clients appreciate working with a business with a solid commitment to quality and community, making it a win-win for the detailers involved.

The Future of the Air Force One Detailing Team

As the Air Force One Detailing Team grows, its impact on the detailing industry becomes even more profound. The annual project has gained recognition far beyond the detailing world, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts, historians, and government officials who understand the importance of preserving these iconic aircraft.

Looking ahead, the goal is to expand the team's reach even further, potentially including more aircraft and more volunteer opportunities for detailers who wish to give back meaningfully. Each year brings new challenges, but with the high level of training provided by Detailing Success and the ever-growing support network of The Detail Mafia, the Air Force One Detailing Team is poised to continue leading the way in elite aircraft detailing.

Crafting a Legacy, One Aircraft at a Time

The Air Force One Detailing Team represents the ultimate opportunity for those passionate about detailing. It's not just about cleaning or restoring a plane—it's about preserving history, honoring craftsmanship, and joining a family of like-minded professionals dedicated to excellence. While the journey to joining the team may be demanding, the personal and professional rewards are unparalleled. For those who seek more than just a career in detailing but a chance to leave a lasting impact, the Air Force One Detailing Team is the pinnacle of success.