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How to Wash a Plane

Washing an airplane fulfills more than just cosmetic functions. A regularly-cleaned airplane has a finish better protected from damaging corrosion and the acidic effects of oil and fuel residue, bugs and bird droppings. A clean, smooth finish creates a more aerodynamic plane as it moves through the air. Resale and/or leasing value becomes enhanced by regular washing and maintenance of paint, too. Finally, giving your aircraft a personal once-over with cleaning sponges and hose provides an excellent opportunity to conduct an up-close inspection of rivets, fasteners and surface areas not included in your normal checklist.

Things You'll Need

Bucket
Hose and nozzle
Sponges
Long-handled mop
Ladder
Commercial aircraft washing detergent
Commercial degreaser
Multipurpose cleaner
Clean cotton cloths
Protective goggles
Dishwashing gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Insert cowl plugs, install the pitot tube cover and tape over all static ports.
- 2
  Remove bug splatter from the leading edges of the plane with a sponge and multipurpose cleaner. Spray the leading edge first and allow it to soak for a few seconds. Then wipe it clean with a sponge and rinse.
- 3
  Put on protective goggles and dishwashing gloves. Move to the belly of the aircraft. Laying on an automotive-style creeper makes the job easier on your back. Use sponges and a commercial degreaser to remove the accumulation of oil, exhaust and grease that accumulates on the belly. Spray rinse the area.
- 4
  Set up a ladder and move to the upper surfaces of the plane. Clean the tail and top of the wings with a sponge soaped with a commercial airplane detergent mixed with water. Use a long-handled mop to get hard-to-reach areas on large surfaces like wings. Rinse the upper surfaces. Work your way down and soap and rinse the underside of the wings and the top and sides of the fuselage. Don't let the soapy surfaces dry in the sun. Rinse liberally and often.
- 5
  Clean windows with care. Acrylic aircraft windows scratch easily and can be fogged or damaged by some common cleaning substances. The best cleaning procedure for windows involves flushing repeatedly with clean water from a hose. Rub the window only with a clean cotton cloth thoroughly saturated with clean water. Rinse again and allow to air dry. For stubborn spots that will not come off with water and a wet cloth, use a cleaning product specifically formulated for aircraft acrylic windows.
- 6
  Detail work may include landing gear components and prop spinners. Be careful when using degreaser to clean landing gear components so you do not dissolve vital grease or lubrication or get degreaser into the grease cups of the wheels.
- 7
  Move all control surfaces through the full extent of their travel to allow trapped wash water to drain out. In a tricycle gear aircraft, push down on the tail to change the attitude of the plane and drain any trapped water out of drain holes in the airframe.
- 8
  Remove all duct plugs, the pitot tube cover and static port covering.

Aviation