La aircraft cleaning and aircraft is different from other sectors due to the demanding compliance with standards and requirements in the aeronautical industry. The aviation sector operates under strict standards and regulations. which require the use of special cleaning products both inside as in sensitive places like the fuselage of an airplane.
It is vital to take care of and pay attention to these areas, not only for the Correct maintenance of aerodynamics and/or preservation of equipment, also for the safety and protection of the aircraft, passengers and crew.
Aircraft construction and materials design presents a unique challenge in the selection of cleaning products. For this reason, we have prepared this guide where we tell you everything you need to know about the exterior cleaning of aircraft, taking into account the manufacturer's requirements and the surface to be treated.
How do you clean an airplane fuselage?
From the aluminum in the fuselage to the alloys that make up the wings of the aircraft, each component requires specific attention and a product for cleaning.
Aerospace engineers, aware of the importance of maintaining the integrity of materials, seek cleaning products that offer a delicate balance between cleaning effectiveness and preservation of structural strength.
Therefore, It is important to know what type of product to use on the entire exterior of the aircraft, including the fuselage. and sensitive areas such as engines, turbines, electrical and mechanical systems, entry and cabin areas.
The first thing we need to know is the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency of an aircraft. Manufacturers of cleaning products must take these two aspects into account for several reasons:
- To do not damage the materials to treat and be sustainable
- Don't compromise on safety of on-board systems.
- Maintaining aerodynamics of the device.
For these reasons, all parts of the aircraft, from the fuselage, wings and stabilizers, up to the turbines and landing gear They require products capable of removing contaminants that adhere during a journey or flight. And, of course, without damaging these areas.
It should be noted that the exterior of an aircraft is totally exposed to different weather conditions that damage it. And not only that, the engines, landing gear and mechanical components contribute to contaminating the fuselage with products that adhere to the wings and other areas.
Knowing how to deal with these situations without damaging the aircraft begins with knowing everything necessary about cleaning the exterior of an aircraft, from the products to use to the areas to be treated and the requirements that must be met in this regard.
Regulations and requirements
Just like inside an aircraft, cleaning manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the standards required by manufacturers and agencies. These include:
- Compatibility with aeronautical materials: Cleaning products must be specifically designed to be compatible with a wide range of materials used in aircraft construction, depending on the manufacturer and technology. This includes alloys, composites and coatings, ensuring that cleaning does not cause damage to any of these critical surfaces.
- Not be toxic, corrosive or abrasive: The aggressiveness of some compounds used in cleaning products can compromise the integrity of surfaces. The products used They must be formulated so as not to damage external surfaces. while eliminating the harmful waste and the adhering contaminants.
- Biodegradability and sustainability: Cleaning products must be biodegradable and environmentally friendly, complying with environmental regulations and contributing to the reduction of environmental impact.
- Leave no residue: A key requirement in aircraft cleaning is to use products that do not leave residues like ours. cleaner isopropanol perfect for cleaning and degreasing surfaces without leaving residue. This type of degreasers es Used in both the aeronautical and automotive industries due to its high effectiveness in cleaning electronic parts and components.
- Safety in handling, use and storage: Safety is the most important aspect in the aeronautical sector. Therefore, all cleaning products must be safe both in their handling and use as well as in their storage. In this way, risks of flammability or dangerous reactions that could compromise the safety of workers and the aircraft itself are avoided.
- Compliance with industry regulations: Finally, any product used to clean the exterior of an aircraft must comply with aviation industry regulations and standards. This includes those of the manufacturers (Boeing and Airbus, among others) as well as those of the company itself. regulatory bodies such as the EASA in Europe and the FAA in the US The first is the European Aviation Safety Agency. On the other hand, the second is the Federal Aviation Board, an official organization established under the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Once we know the requirements, it is time to talk about the types of cleaning supplies:
Essential products for cleaning an aircraft fuselage and its exterior: What are they?
- Specific cleaners for aeronautical surfaces: The diversity of materials used on an aircraft (which varies between companies and manufacturers) requires cleaners specially formulated for each area, material and aircraft company. These products must be able to effectively remove dirt, combustion residue and other contaminants without compromising the integrity of the paint or materials.
- Anticorrosive products: Given the constant exposure to different weather conditions, corrosion is one of the biggest concerns to avoid in the sector. Thus, products containing corrosion and rust inhibitors They help protect the integrity of metal surfaces, preserving the structure of the ship.
- Sealants and surface protectors: After cleaning, applying sealants and protectants is crucial to maintaining weather resistance and prolonging the life of exterior surfaces. These products form a barrier against UV radiation and other factors that can degrade materials.
- High-performance and effective degreasers: Certain parts such as engines and mechanical components generate grease and oily residues that can accumulate on the fuselage. These elements usually include fuel residues, hydraulic fluid, soot, lubricants, rubber waste, saltpeter, loose paints, adhesives and dirt. degreasers High-performance cleaners are essential to remove these residues without affecting the functionality of aeronautical systems.
- Dry cleaning: To achieve complete degreasing of metal surfaces or aircraft alloys and other components, it is necessary to use non-toxic degreasing solvents with high paraffin purity. High purity paraffin is characterized by its excellent shine, odorlessness and resistance to oxidation, which allows for greater strength and durability of the external components of an aircraft. The use of a degreasing solvent Dry, non-toxic, paraffin-pure cleaner like ours is perfect for cleaning aviation parts such as wings and other aeronautical components.
In addition, it is essential to consider the safety of the environment and aeronautical materials when choosing cleaning products, opting for natural and safe alternatives that offer greater cleaning power than traditional chemicals.
To summarize, considerations for choosing cleaning products for the exterior of an aircraft must meet 4 aspects:
- Type of dirt: It is crucial to select products that can effectively remove this dirt without damaging the aircraft materials.
- Safety and regulatory compliance: Cleaning products must comply with safety standards and environmental regulations. It is essential to choose products that are safe for the environment and that meet the requirements of the aeronautical sector.
- Efficiency and performance: The selected items must be effective in removing dirt and ensure optimal performance without compromising the integrity of the aeronautical materials.
- Sustainability: Opting for products that are environmentally friendly and minimize environmental impact is an important consideration when choosing aircraft cleaning products.
In conclusion, the choice of aircraft cleaning products goes beyond cleanliness and safety. It covers aspects such as chemical composition, aerodynamic efficiency, corrosion protection and environmental regulations.
Therefore, it is vital to know how to correctly choose and apply each product on the corresponding surface, ensuring that each flight is not only efficient, but also impeccable and safe.
We hope you enjoyed this article about the Cleaning the fuselage of an aircraft and everything related to the exterior of these magnificent devices designed by humans. If you need any product you can consult our catalog of products industrial cleaning.
For older people, we remind you that you can visit our blog where we discuss this topic and others related to industrial maintenance.