Chris and I are always interested in meeting new people in the aviation industry. Sometimes we stumble upon companies that appear to be the absolute best at what they do. For our visit to Okeechobee Painting Center for private jets this was one of them.
We recently did a story on another aircraft painting company, but it was nothing like this. These folks clearly do specialize in private jet painting at a whole other level.
We were immediately caught by the number of jets they were working on simultaneously. I say that in a positive way, as they clearly have the capacity.
I met with Charles Lima and Bruno Parola, who are the principals. Small world as it turns out Bruno is cousins with the owner of East Coast Aircraft Painting. But different than East Coast, who works mostly on prop planes, we saw nothing but private jets here.
I had the opportunity for the first time to see every level of the strip and paint process in progress. In a separate hangar there was a finished aircraft for a foreign businessman. The paint job was stunning from the level of detail to the custom graphic work.
Chris had previously visited one of the largest private jet painting companies in Texas, but the quality here was even better. Who would think this off the beat and path rural Florida location would have something like this.
While they do both painting and interior work, the emphasis is on exterior work.
The exterior work they do includes:
CHEMICAL STRIP AND PAINT
PARTIAL PAINT
STRIPE COLOR CHANGE
TOUCH-UP
REGISTRATION # CHANGES
CUSTOM LOGO’S (paint or decal)
POLISH BRIGHTWORK
PRC (SEALER)
EXTERIOR PLACARD KITS
The other thing that stood out was security. Unlike many companies we have visited at airports over the years, there was no direct public access. Someone must let you in through a secure gate of the airport. This is a big plus for aircraft owners knowing the public can’t get near their aircraft.
All in all, this was a fun visit, except for the Florida love bugs who visit the area for a week or so twice a year
If you’re looking to get incredible quality this is your place. I guess it makes sense since they’ve been doing this for 45 years. Here is the link to their quote page https://www.opcjet.com/get-quote/
We want to thank Bruno and Charles again for taking the time.
On to the next adventure. And as always if you have a cool aviation company and want us to come and see you just send us an email at aircraftguys@gmail.com
Our Visit to Okeechobee Painting Center For Private Jets