Common Ways to Clean Aircraft
Just like an automobile or marine vessel, aircraft require cleaning on a regular basis for both the health of assemblies and to maintain appearances. Whether the aircraft in question is a personal sport plane or an advanced airliner, it is important that aircraft of all types are properly cleaned to ensure ample cleanliness and to avoid damaging any sensitive components or systems. In this blog, we will discuss the most common ways in which aircraft are cleaned, allowing you to conduct such procedures with ease.
In general, there are two methods that can be followed for cleaning an aircraft, those of which are pressure washing and waterless washing. Pressure washing is the most common for aircraft operating in and around airports, and the process consists of using a high-volume, low-pressure washing system. During a pressure wash, water will be sprayed from a hose nozzle from a short distance of around four feet, allowing for small areas of the aircraft to be tackled at a time. To ensure low waste and sustainability, around 80% of all used water is recaptured for recycling and reuse.
While water is consistently reused for power washing, personnel will ensure that the water does not reach a salinity and contamination point that would be detrimental to cleanliness. When water quality drops below acceptable levels, it will quickly be transported to a sanitary sewer or storage tank so that it may be properly disposed of. Meanwhile, lost water will be replaced with fresh water to ensure that there is always enough for cleaning. If any wastewater is left around the aircraft after the cleaning process is complete, industrial vacuuming equipment will be used to collect everything so that it may be safely disposed of at a designated site.
When conducting a power wash, there are certain areas that are given special attention due to buildups that occur around their assemblies. The engine and exhaust are two major areas that require extra attention and cleaning, and personnel may utilize an increased amount of detergent and brushing to guarantee a complete clean. Alongside paying more attention to crucial areas such as the engine and exhaust, personnel conducting a pressure wash must also be aware of the common warnings surrounding such procedures. For instance, conducting a pressure wash when the sun is intense can potentially cause a cleaning solution to damage paint. Additionally, windows and windshields are often sensitive to scratching, that of which may result from power washing. As a last warning, personnel should not rely on ladders when operating washer equipment as the force of the spray may cause them to lose balance.
If a pilot cannot utilize water due to personal choice or regulations, washing can be conducted without water. Waterless washing is also beneficial when one wants to avoid causing damage from sitting fluids that seep into hard-to-reach areas. Generally, this type of washing is conducted with wax-based sprays or similar products, allowing for a wax shield and look to be established. Additionally, wax-based sprays also often promote anti-corrosion to further protect the fuselage. While a scrubber or brush may be used for power washing, mops are utilized for waterless washing.
Whether you are interested in conducting a power wash or a waterless wash, NSN Parts Now has you covered with an unrivaled inventory of items that are ready to purchase at any time. Explore our expansive part catalogs at your leisure, or take advantage of our search engine and filters to find exactly what you need with ease. Once you have narrowed down the particular items that you are interested in, utilize our RFQ service to rapidly request quotes for your comparisons with ease. Once our team members receive a form and complete their review, they will reach out to you within 15 minutes to provide a personalized quote for your comparisons. Experience the future of part procurement today when you send us a completed RFQ form at your earliest convenience.
