Best practices for aircraft cleaning and maintenance
An airliner is intended to remain in operation for about 20 years. Thus aviation janitorial must be done in the overhaul and maintenance processes carried out throughout the aircraft's career. The majority of aircraft, which from the ground look to be sturdy and strong, is actually incredibly delicate works of engineering.
The importance of aircraft cleaning and maintenance
Protective coatings and films
More lightweight metals and unusual materials are being used in the manufacture of aircraft as technology advances. When these kinds of materials are combined, fast deterioration might result. Certain aviation materials are frequently coated with protective films and coatings in order to aid in preventing this. A longer life span for airplanes can be achieved by lowering the risk of deterioration.
A longer life span for airplanes can be achieved by lowering the risk of deterioration (Source: Internet)
Protection of Equipment
Regular airplane cleaning keeps vital components, such as antennas located beneath the aircraft, protected from harm. These components may become covered in dirt and oil residue from aircraft engine exhaust. This results in risky flying situations since the antennas cannot transmit signals properly. Cleaning down the equipment after each trip is a simple and convenient way to maintain its performance.
Cleaning the Undercarriage
Over time, dust and debris can amass in an aircraft's undercarriage. This area of airplanes is also susceptible to hydraulic leaks, which could pose a safety risk. The aircraft's undercarriage should always be kept as clean as possible to stop the accumulation of dirt and dust and ensure that any leaks are quickly identified and remedied.
The aircraft's undercarriage should always be kept as clean as possible (Source: Internet).
Aircraft corrosion prevention and control
To maintain efficiency and safety, it is necessary to do aviation janitorial. The quantity of pollution an airplane accumulates during routine daily operations is astounding. A plane may appear spotless to the untrained eye, but with each flight, it accumulates a thin layer of chemical pollutants that can lead to corrosion if left on the surface.
The gradual electrochemical breakdown of metals is known as corrosion. In every region of the world, aircraft operate in a wide range of environmental conditions, sometimes in settings that are particularly favorable to the development of corrosion.
Aviation janitorial: Aircraft maintenance procedures
Aircraft interior cleaning checklist
Regardless of whether you are cleaning a private jet or a commercial aircraft, interior detailing requires expert work. Excellent cleaning standards are crucial for the crew and passengers' health and safety. Also, a spotless appearance aids in promoting a favorable brand image. From COVID-19, additional measures are required to guarantee thorough and efficient cleaning. This includes comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing measures for the aircraft's interior to reassure passengers.
Overhead Storage Bins, Light, and Air Controls
Cabin bags wheeled suitcases, and other items are collected in storage bins and crew stowage compartments with dirt, dust, and other detritus. It is best to clean the interior of luggage compartments with cordless vacuums. Alternatively, get a vacuum with an exceptionally long power cable so you can clean a lot of space without unplugging.
Don't forget to clean handles and other germ hotspots to stop the spread of germs. Air conditioning controls, cabin staff call buttons, and switches for overhead reading lights for passengers all need to be cleaned using an antibacterial cleaner. As this is a time-consuming task, looking into quick-acting cleaning techniques, such as steam technology or hiring sanitizing services, is a good idea to assist you in completing the task effectively and quickly.
Safety Belt Cleaning
Another high-touch interior surface are the seat belt latches. Spray-tool technology produces quick and efficient outcomes in terms of speed. For instance, "fogging" an aircraft refers to the process of thoroughly disinfecting the interior of the cabin. A fog machine sprays the disinfectant. It immediately covers the strap's material and the hard seat belt buckle system surface. Steam cleaning technology works very similar, except steam successfully kills viruses instead of spraying chemicals like disinfection.
Related: Types of Aviation Maintenance Checks
Aircraft exterior cleaning checklist
The goal of aircraft exterior cleaning, sometimes referred to as aircraft exterior detailing service, is to return the aircraft's surface to its initial state. The aircraft's exterior can be cleaned with a water wash, a simple wash, or by just wiping it down with a spray cleaner and cloth. The goal of external cleaning is to remove debris, insects, exhaust streaks, oil stains, and other blemishes from the exterior surface of the aircraft body. This improves the aircraft's physical look and extends the life of the exterior body, paintwork, and related parts.
Polishing painted and unpainted surfaces on aircraft
Polishing is necessary to remove surface corrosion from the aircraft's brightwork (unpainted surfaces) and to improve their aesthetics. When oxidation first appears, these regions are manually polished with a non-abrasive cleaning/polishing solution or using an orbital buffer. To avoid damage, surrounding painted and plastic exterior surfaces (such as light lenses) are blocked off. All polishing waste is eliminated, and surfaces are left with a mirror-like shine. Polishing painted surfaces is necessary to preserve the high gloss exterior finish of the complete aircraft and to get rid of tough stains, usually around exhaust areas.
Wet wash
Oil, grease, or carbon deposits can be removed, along with the majority of soils, using the aircraft wet wash. Yet, the remediation of corrosion and oxide deposits can benefit very little, if at all, from this procedure. With this technique, the exterior of the aircraft is first mopped or sprayed with cleaning agents before being washed with high water pressure. With this cleaning approach, alkaline or emulsion cleaning chemicals are typically employed.
Dry Wash
After removing airport film, dust, and minute clumps of soil and debris, dry wash will be done. When using liquids is inappropriate, dry washing is utilized.
Polishing
Polishing, which is often done after the surfaces have been cleaned, restores the sheen to the aircraft's painted and unpainted surfaces. Corrosion and oxidation are also eliminated through polishing. Polishing materials come in a variety of shapes and abrasiveness levels. It is crucial that the instructions provided by the aircraft manufacturer be followed in particular circumstances.
Cleaning Guidelines
All cleaning tasks are completed in accordance with established and accepted norms of the industry and equipment manufacturers and fulfill the standards demanded by the airlines. The suggested cleaning and servicing guidelines the aircraft manufacturer provides are followed, together with any relevant building and safety regulations.
Conclusion
Overall, a well-planned strategy will support upholding the highest standards of hygienic and sanitary conditions inside the aircraft. To ensure you get the greatest results and finish the task quickly, choose the appropriate equipment, technology, and cleaning products. One method for getting the most cleaning and sanitization done in the least amount of time is steam cleaning. Yet, no matter the size of the aircraft, following the advised interior and exterior cleaning processes is a significant task.
Need some tips? We’re here to help
Not only giving you a lot of information about many industries, OfficeHelps also brings to you amazing tips and cleaning services.
What to look for in hiring a cleaning service or maintaining services for your education facilities, why don’t take professional care with interesting refreshing space ideas.
In case you need to refresh your living space, at OfficeHelps.com, we provide you with affordable and reliable cleaning services and a lot of helpful tips. Feel free to contact us today! Our experienced cleaning experts are waiting for you!
Since my major in university is Marketing, I always grasp the chance to improve my skills to become an all-rounded Marketer in the future. This job, to some extent, has brought me a lot of knowledge about multiple areas, which will be beneficial to my study career. In my free time, I'm into reading and watching classic movies. My favorite genre of all time is romantic comedy.
