Processing device and method for coating a rudder unit of an aircraft

A processing device for coating a surface of a rudder unit of an aircraft, the device comprising:

• a plurality of spatially delimited work stations disposed in succession so that the rudder unit can be moved to each work station in succession, wherein the plurality of work stations includes:
• a pretreating station configured to activate the surface so as to form an activated surface;
• a painting station disposed downstream of the pretreating station and configured to paint the activated surface with at least one layer of paint having a first color so as to form a painted surface and configured to dry the painted surface after the painting;
• and
• a decorating station disposed downstream of the painting station and configured to apply a pattern having a second color different from the first color, wherein the pattern includes at least one of a letter and a picture motif.