Cleaning and corrosion control are essential parts of aircraft maintenance because corrosion can weaken structures, damage components, and reduce the service life of an aircraft. Since aircraft are exposed to moisture, chemicals, salt, exhaust deposits, and other environmental contaminants, maintenance personnel must understand how corrosion develops and how it can be controlled before serious damage occurs.
Corrosion is a natural process that affects many aircraft metals and alloys, especially when protective surface finishes are damaged or when dissimilar metals are placed in contact with each other. Aircraft structures, engine compartments, landing gear areas, battery compartments, and other exposed sections are particularly vulnerable. Early detection and proper identification of corrosion are important in preventing further deterioration.
Effective corrosion control includes regular inspection, proper cleaning, removal of corrosion products, and the application of protective treatments and finishes. Maintenance technicians must also understand the corrosive agents that promote deterioration, the forms and types of corrosion found on aircraft, and the approved methods used to remove and treat affected areas.
Aircraft and powerplant cleaning also play an important role in corrosion prevention by removing dirt, grease, salts, and other contaminants that can trap moisture and accelerate metal attack. The following series introduces the causes, identification, prevention, treatment, and cleaning practices associated with aircraft corrosion control.
Cleaning and Corrosion Control Series
1. Causes and Identification
Overview of aircraft metal corrosion, its causes, and identification by corrosion appearance and alloy behavior.
View Topic →2. Factors Affecting Corrosion
Study of the environmental and material conditions that influence corrosion.
View Topic →3. Types of Corrosion
Overview of the major corrosion types found on aircraft structures and components.
View Topic →4. Forms of Corrosion
Explanation of the different forms in which corrosion appears on aircraft materials.
View Topic →5. Corrosive Agents
Common substances and conditions that promote corrosion in aircraft environments.
View Topic →6. Preventive Maintenance and Inspection
Inspection and maintenance practices used to prevent and control corrosion.
View Topic →7. Corrosion Prone Areas
Aircraft areas that are especially vulnerable to corrosion damage.
View Topic →8. Aircraft Corrosion Removal
Approved methods used to remove corrosion from aircraft structures and parts.
View Topic →9. Corrosion of Aircraft Metals, Alloys and Treatment
How corrosion affects aircraft metals and alloys, and the treatments used to control it.
View Topic →10. Protection of Dissimilar Metal Contacts and Corrosion Limits
Methods used to protect dissimilar metal contacts and determine allowable corrosion limits.
View Topic →11. Processes and Materials Used in Corrosion Control
Protective materials and procedures used in aircraft corrosion prevention and control.
View Topic →12. Chemical Treatments and Protective Paint Finishes
Chemical conversion treatments and paint finishes used to protect aircraft surfaces.
View Topic →13. Aircraft and Powerplant Cleaning
Cleaning practices used to maintain aircraft and engines while helping prevent corrosion.
View Topic →14. Aircraft Cleaners
Types of cleaning agents used in aircraft maintenance and their proper application.
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