Scheme Designers, Inc., a provider of paint and decal scheme designs for aircraft, has teamed with LoPresti Aviation to develop a range of new decal designs, sold as a kit, for Cirrus aircraft.
Cirrus aircraft are commonly sold with vinyl decals over a white, silver or gold base. As the fleet ages, the factory-installed decal designs reach the end of their service life before the base paint, resulting in a worn or shabby look for a relatively new aircraft, noted Craig Barnett, CEO of Scheme Designers, on opening day of AirVenture in Oshkosh. “Some of the Cirrus on the ramp are looking extremely ratty,” he said. “It seemed odd to me to have the Mercedes of aircraft looking like a beat-up Beetle.”
“I see little reason to spend $13,000 to $17,000 to repaint the aircraft, when it is just as easy to remove the old decals, buff the aircraft and replace the decals,” he added. “In essence, owners have a new aircraft.”
Scheme Designers has created 12 new decal designs specifically for Cirrus Aircraft. Each design is provided in five standard color combinations, providing a total of 60 options for a Cirrus owner to choose from, Barnett said. “Naturally, there are some owners that are going to want non-standard color combinations,” he added, “and that is why we offer an additional option for each design allowing clients to work with us to create custom color combinations against their selected design. This gives clients limitless color choices.”
Scheme Designers has developed a network of paint shops to replace older decal schemes, or clients can choose to have Scheme Designers apply the new decals at its Arcola, Florida, location or at LoPresti Aviation’s location in Vero Beach, Florida. Installation requires removal of all older decals, thoroughly cleaning and buffing the aircraft to remove any decal residue and to ensure a clean, smooth, unfaded paint surface onto which the new decal scheme will be positioned and installed. Installation time is typically two to three days.
“A Cirrus is a very special and innovative aircraft, and owners take great pride in all aspects of their aircraft’s fit and finish,” commented Rj Siegel, CEO of LoPresti Aviation. “These new products give owners new and affordable choices for their aircraft, providing increased pride in ownership and ramp appeal.”
The new designs, available as kits, are available now. Prices range from $2,500 to $2,800, while installation typically costs about $2,500. “For an investment of $5,000 to $5,500, Cirrus owners have the ability to come back with a new plane. It’s a simple, elegant solution,” Barnett said.
For more information: SchemeDesigners.com or LoPrestiAviation.com
