The coating is on top
The reflective layer sits exposed on the surface, not protected behind glass. It scratches far more easily than an ordinary mirror.
Clear Sky
First Surface Mirror Cleaning for Flight Simulators
Crystal-clear visuals.
Zero risk to your mirrors.
Specialized first surface mirror cleaning for full flight simulators and training devices, rotary- and fixed-wing. Done on-site by Mike, the owner, around your training schedule, with a documented inspection every visit.
- 100+ simulators, 400+ mirrors serviced
- Zero incident record
- Insured, including E&O coverage
- Owner-operated, nationwide
- Former FlightSafety International employee
- Minimal downtime: we work around your schedule, nights, weekends and holidays included
Service snapshot
FFS · FTD · fixed-base. Collimated and projection visual systems, one consistent method.
Owner on every job. One point of contact. No crews, no subcontractors.
Audit-ready finish. Before/after inspection and a written maintenance report.
Send your mirror count and simulator type for a no-pressure quote.
Start your quoteThe risk
Why first surface mirrors can't be cleaned like glass
A first surface mirror is a precision optic, not a window. The wrong touch changes what your pilots see.
Wrong chemicals cloud the image
Ammonia, solvents, abrasives and all-purpose cleaners can haze or strip the coating and degrade the image pilots train on.
Dust and haze erode fidelity
Even light buildup lowers brightness, contrast and clarity. Over time it quietly reduces training value.
The Clear Sky standard: simulator-safe, non-abrasive methods, with the right tools, sequence and inspection at every step.
Services
Care built around your training schedule
From first surface mirrors to projection screens and collimated glass, one owner-led visit covers the optics your pilots rely on.
First surface mirror cleaning
Routine cleaning
Scheduled maintenance that keeps the image bright, sharp and consistent.
- Planned cleaning intervals
- Dust and light haze removal
- Visual-system inspection and notes
Deep restoration
For heavy haze, buildup, or a device that needs a reset after construction.
- Haze and buildup removal
- Post-construction cleaning
- Before/after documentation
Pre-inspection / audit prep
Get the visual system looking and performing its best before checks.
- FAA and customer-check prep
- Image clarity review
- Final inspection report
Additional visual-system services
Moth remediation
Removal of moth debris, larvae residue and contamination from optics, screens and enclosures.
Back projection screens
Dust, haze and buildup removal with care for the screen surface, plus a brightness and contrast check.
Front projection screens
Restores brightness, uniformity and image sharpness without damaging the surface.
Chin window fold mirrors
Delicate-coating cleaning in the tight-access fold mirrors of helicopter simulators.
Beam splitter glass
Low-risk cleaning of beam splitter and combiner glass in collimated visual systems.
Not sure what your visual system needs?
Send a few photos and a short description. Clear Sky will confirm the right scope before any work begins, or book an in-person evaluation.
Ask about a service →The evaluation
What a consultation looks like
No guessing from photos. Each simulator gets its own on-site evaluation, about 30 minutes per unit, and you get a documented plan and price before anything is touched.
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01
Visual inspection
Mike inspects the unit in person and photographs the condition of the visual system as found.
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02
Mirror-by-mirror condition form
Every individual mirror gets its own entry: haze, buildup, contamination, coating condition.
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03
Services recommended
From the inspection, the right scope for that unit, whether routine, deep restoration or additional optics.
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04
Itemized quote
A tally of the recommended services with a total cost for the unit, in writing, before any work begins.
In-person cleaning evaluation
Hands-on assessment, clear plan, firm quote.
Owner-led, on-site, about 30 minutes per simulator, with time for your team's questions. Multiple units are evaluated separately, each with its own report and quote.
Process
A careful process, from prep to final report
Work happens around your schedule, even if that means nights, weekends, holidays or the gap between training blocks. The goal is simple: minimize your downtime.
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01
On-site prep
Screens, the collimation area and surrounding surfaces are protected first. Safety before speed.
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02
Careful clean
Lint-free tools and a simulator-approved technique, applied with care and dedication.
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03
Inspection & report
Before/after review, maintenance tips and documentation for your records.
Why Clear Sky
You get the owner, not a crew.
One point of contact and one consistent method on every job, because the name on the business is the person in your simulator bay. That experience covers 100+ rotary- and fixed-wing simulators across airline, corporate and government-contractor training programs.
Mike spent several years with FlightSafety International before founding Clear Sky, and has hands-on experience on devices built by FlightSafety, CAE, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace and others, each with its own visual system, schedule and standards.
- Nationwide travel
- Minimal downtime
- Zero incident record
- Secure-facility experience
Experienced working in secure training environments. Clearance details available on request.
FAQ
Questions, answered clearly
How often should first surface mirrors be cleaned?
Most active training centers plan routine cleaning every 3 to 6 months. High-use devices, dusty environments, nearby construction or visible haze call for a shorter interval. Your quote can include a maintenance rhythm matched to your simulator use.
Do you need the simulator powered down?
No. The simulator does not need to be powered down. It just can't be in flight or in use for training during the visit. Your normal access procedure for the visual-system bay is all that's required.
How long does a visit take?
An in-person evaluation takes about 30 minutes per device. Cleaning time depends on the simulator's size and model, and on the number and size of its mirrors, so it's quoted per device. Either way, work is scheduled around your training blocks.
Do you clean other optics?
Yes. Beyond first surface mirrors, Clear Sky cleans beam splitter and combiner glass, back and front projection screens and chin window fold mirrors, and handles moth remediation inside visual-system enclosures.
Do you clean Mylar mirrors?
No. Clear Sky specializes in glass first surface mirrors. Mylar and other film-type mirrors need a different process, and we don't service them. Please confirm your mirror type before scheduling. Not sure which you have? Call and we'll help you work it out.
Request a quote
Tell us about your mirrors.
Share a few details and Clear Sky will prepare a clear quote for your facility. For rotary- or fixed-wing simulators, include the platform and mirror count. Prefer to talk first? A short call can confirm scope and timing.
Phone(254) 345-6700 Emailmike@clearskymirrors.com
Based inKilleen, Texas · Serving all 50 states
MailPO Box 690366, Killeen, Texas 76549