It has been two months since spring hit the eagerly awaiting Canadian coasts, mountains, and streets. Unlike other Mediterranean countries, temperatures here have remained stubbornly low. However, June is about to give adventure enthusiasts the good news of crystal clear blue skies so that they may embark on their adrenaline-pumping excursions without any fear of snow-covered roads or cloud-obscured monotonous skies.
The joy and excitement aircraft enthusiasts feel in particular when summer arrives is unmatched. For them, summer marks the start of relishing unending sky adventures while marveling at the lush green the nature has bestowed them with from intimidatingly great heights.
At this point, as leading aviation welding technicians , we would like to remind you of the much-needed thorough cleanup your aircraft needs before you take off. We have often emphasized the importance of effective aircraft maintenance every now and then in our blogs and it is needless to do it again. Yet, what many private plane owners fail to realize is that cleaning is an essential part of the maintenance process. Therefore, it should never be underestimated.
We know you are excited about getting your plane back in the air after a long period of placing it in hibernation throughout the cold season. However, it would pay off to put your excitement and haste at bay and adequately prepare your aircraft for its first flight. While this task may sound like a party pooper at the moment, it will ensure optimum delight and safety for you.
Get Your Aircraft Ready With These Spring Cleaning And Maintenance Tips
The long winter hibernation period in the hanger may lead to dirt accumulation in the engine and oil tank of your cherished plane. Moreover, metallic parts like engine mounts may also undergo corrosion and rust. Although these matters seem to be trivial, blockages in the engine or aircraft exhaust may lead to fatal accidents during flights.
Therefore, preparing an aircraft for its first flight after winter involves two essential phases:
- Thorough cleaning
- Inside-out inspection
As you will realise, the tips herein are systematically divided into these phases:
Clean The Exterior
Do not just randomly start cleaning the first area that meets your eye. Instead, start with the exterior and clean the areas that you can easily reach first. At this point, it is imperative to acknowledge that your aircraft is constructed from different elements that have a varying degree of tolerance towards strong chemicals. Therefore, stick to aviation specific products such as aluminium-safe degreasers, plastic specific cleaners, and safe protein dissolving agents.
If your budget does not allow these, stick to a mild soap or a dishwasher. Moreover, it is crucial that you use a gentle hand when cleaning the exterior. Do not use pressure water or over-scrub any area. Remember that there are places where water should not go in your aircraft.
Once you have cleaned these areas, move on to the plexiglass and finally the underbelly.
Shine And Protect It
Once you have done a good job of thoroughly cleaning your plane’s exterior, the next step is to retain the charm for the entire season. The best way to protect your aircraft from corrosion is to wax it and the ideal method to retain its good looks is by polishing it.
You should preferably repeat these post-cleaning tasks every six months if not more. Also, since Canada has the highest UV index in the spring and summer, we would recommend you consider applying a sealant.
Remember to ensure that these products are aviation specific to avoid damage.
Be Careful With The Gear Well Area
Unlike your automobile, aircraft cleaning demands a lot of caution and energy. For this reason, we often ask our clients to leave the tasks to aviation professionals. While all other cleaning tasks are somewhat doable, cleaning the gear area is a complex matter. If you want to do it yourself, hand wipe the area and try not to disturb the mechanical composition.
Free Up The Interior
Next comes the interior. The first step in cleaning this part is to get it rid of all the materials you have kept there. Remove flashlights, papers, pens, and any other clutter.
Tidy It Up
Use a carpet cleaner to get rid of the stains on the carpet and vacuum the seats, aisle, and every corner of the interior. If the plane has leather seats, choose a cleaning chemical accordingly. Afterward, gently wipe away any grease or stains that are visible.
Request An Inspection From An Aviation Specialist
Lastly, we will move on to the inspection phase. While you might be a seasoned pilot, you must understand that only an aviation technician can understand the technical issues within your plane’s mechanical parts. For your well-being, we suggest you consult with an aviation specialist and ask them to do the needed repairs.
When it comes to the provision of aircraft parts or vintage planes, we have no rivals in Canada. From one-on-one customer service to top-notch product quality, we proudly have a lot to flaunt. Learn more about Acorn Welding to enjoy high-end aviation services here or Contact us now!
