Cleaning and Corrosion Control

Aircraft Cleaning Cleaning an aircraft and keeping it clean are extremely important. From an AMT’s viewpoint, it should be considered a regular part of aircraft maintenance. Keeping the aircraft clean can mean more accurate inspection results, and may even allow a flight crewmember to spot an impending component failure. A cracked landing gear fitting covered … Read more

Aircraft structures include several areas that are particularly susceptible to corrosion due to their design, environment, and operational exposure. These corrosion-prone zones require more frequent cleaning, inspection, and protective treatment compared to less exposed areas. While the following sections highlight common problem areas found across most aircraft, maintenance personnel should always refer to the applicable … Read more

There are many forms of corrosion. The form of corrosion depends on the metal involved, its size and shape, its specific function, atmospheric conditions, and the corrosion producing agents present. Those described in this post are the more common forms found on airframe structures. Surface Corrosion General surface corrosion (also referred to as uniform etch … Read more

There are two general classifications of corrosion that cover most of the specific forms: direct chemical attack and electrochemical attack. In both types of corrosion, the metal is converted into a metallic compound, such as an oxide, hydroxide, or sulfate. The corrosion process involves two simultaneous changes: the metal that is attacked or oxidized suffers … Read more

Corrosion in aircraft structures is influenced by a wide range of environmental, material, and operational factors. Understanding these factors is essential for aircraft maintenance technicians, as corrosion can develop at different rates and in various forms depending on conditions. The following sections outline the key factors that affect corrosion in aircraft and how they influence … Read more