As an aircraft owner, you must know how frustrating and detrimental corrosion and rust can be. If you have never been the victim of it, then consider yourself lucky. Corrosion is a continuous and infuriating challenge for aircraft owners. Corrosion erodes the structural integrity of a metal aircraft and its components, resulting in costly repairs and significant safety hazards. Corrosion, if left undetected and untreated, can render an aircraft unfit for flight in a matter of years.
While it is impossible to reverse corrosion once it has begun, it can be treated promptly if the corroded area is located. It is, however, much easier to prevent corrosion from occurring in the first place. Acquire the assistance of reliable aviation technicians for quality assurance so your aircraft can soar without any malfunctions.
What Is Corrosion?
Corrosion is a natural process in which metallic substances, such as steel and aluminum, commonly used in aircraft manufacturing, deteriorate gradually over time due to electrochemical or chemical reactions occurring on the metal's surface or in the surrounding environment. In the case of aircraft operation, such reactions occur continuously, both inside the plane and at high altitudes.
Because of their frequent exposure to extreme temperatures and rapid temperature changes, aircraft exhaust parts are particularly vulnerable to corrosion and its effects.
Types Of Corrosion:
- Filiform Corrosion: manifests itself as thread-like lines on poorly painted aluminum surfaces.
- Crevice/deposit corrosion: occurs when debris or dust becomes trapped in the aircraft's bodywork’s small cracks and spaces. This traps moisture and initiates corrosion.
- Uniform surface attack: When metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture in the air, uniform surface attack occurs. It is frequently caused by poor-quality body paintwork or exposure to corrosive fumes or pollutants.
- Intergranular corrosion: Although difficult to detect, this type of corrosion can quickly destroy metal alloys with high zinc content. It usually targets wing spars and stringers.
How To Prevent Corrosion?
A strong offence is the best defence against corrosion. Proactively inspect your aircraft and its components to detect corrosion damage in its early stages. You can also take the following preventative measures to delay the onset of corrosion:
Wash Your Aircraft Frequently: After long flights, take the time to rinse and clean your aircraft to remove corrosion-causing agents. Wash it regularly to remove debris and corrosive contaminants. Consider treating the aircraft with corrosion inhibitor products and paying particular attention to corrosion-prone areas such as its landing gear and any joints, gaps, or hinges. After rinsing off the aircraft, dry the surfaces.
Use Corrosion Inhibitors: Regularly apply a high-quality corrosion inhibitor and lubricant to your aircraft. This will prevent rust from forming and provide a protective barrier for vulnerable aircraft components. These products are intended to prevent rust and corrosion while also restoring and lubricating rusted equipment, cables, moving parts, and other features.
Place The Aircraft In A Dry Climate: Since moisture causes many types of corrosion, aircraft in coastal environments are frequently more vulnerable to corrosive attacks. If possible, place your plane in a dry location. If you live near the coast, inspect your aircraft for corrosion regularly.
Hangar Your Plane Or Cover The Cabin: The location of storing your aircraft is critical. Keep your plane protected from the elements by storing it in a hangar or covered structure, or use covers if a hangar isn't available. Keep it in a hangar or use cabin covers to protect your aircraft from moisture.
Take Care Of Chipped Paint: Paint isn't just for aesthetics; it's also often the first line of defence against corrosion. Small chips can often be repaired with touch-up paint, but a professional should handle more extensive repairs to avoid trapping moisture and exposing the surface to a higher risk of corrosion.
Regular Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections of your aircraft regularly, paying particular attention to vulnerable areas such as the propeller, cylinder fins, battery box, engine and control hinges and cables.
Corrosion is not something to be taken lightly. Address corrosion as soon as it is discovered to slow its progression and reduce aircraft damage. Corrosion, fortunately, can be delayed and controlled by taking the necessary precautions.
Also read: The Advantages Of Preventative Aircraft Maintenance
Call Professionals: Depending on the severity of the corrosion, there are several options. Sanding down the surface with an abrasive such as an emery cloth, crocus cloth, or a bristle brush can often remove superficial surface corrosion. Treat the area with an anti-corrosion product and, if necessary, a protective layer of paint. When corrosion becomes too severe, a maintenance aircraft technician will need to remove and replace the corroded component. When in doubt, consult a professional.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is a professional aviation company that provides a wide range of services and products related to different types of aircraft. We offer quality-assured inspections and products for your aircraft.
Our team has a lot of experience in the aviation industry, so we can provide high-quality products and services. If you want to get the benefits of professional aviation services give us a call today.
