Airplane Pressure Washing Tips
Read these 6 Airplane Pressure Washing Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Pressure Washers tips and hundreds of other topics.
Benefits of Pressure Washing your Airplane Regularly
Keeping your aircraft clean is vital not only for appearance but mainly for safety and efficiency.
*Dirt accumulates in crevices of the airframe structure and it can result in corrosion spots.
*Non-pressurized aircraft that fly at lower altitudes accumulate a great deal of bugs.
*Normal engine operation and reverse thrust upon landing results in exhaust build up on the sides and tail.
Furthermore, the regular habit of power washing your airplane helps you grow familiar with the little details that make a big difference.
A trained eye will notice an irregularity such as a small leak or a defective rivet. Airplane pressure washing is not only safer but will also result in reduced drag and therefore higher fuel efficiency.
Preparing your Airplane for Pressure Washing
Before you start to pressure wash your aircraft, make sure that you have all the tools that you will need close at hand. You will need your pressure washer, any any attachments you may have, cleaning materials for your windshield, and your basic toolset in case you discover any issues with the plane.
Also, if you are going to clean the outside of your plane, you may as well work on the inside as well, so pick up appropriate upholstery cleaner and make sure you have a vacuum on hand for the carpets.
Check the pressure washer nozzles to see if they are clean since a clogged nozzle will increase the pressure in the water spray and it might damage the finish of your aircraft.
If you don't have pressure washer attachments to make the job easier, you may want to consider purchasing an extension wand to reach the highest spots and a rotating power washer brush to clean the exhaust build up.
Do a mental walk-through of the procedure to plan the sequence in which you will wash each section so that you can perform a uniform pressure washing operation once you start.
Safety Guidelines for Pressure Washing your Aircraft
There are a few points to keep in mind to use your pressure washing equipment safely around your airplane.
1. Always check the aircraft operation and safety manual before proceeding.
2. Follow the instructions specific to any exterior instrumentation that should not be pressure washed.
3. Don't use a ladder since the kick from the pressure could knock you off.
4. Use a power washer extension wand instead to reach the highest points.
5. Don't power wash the windows since the material scratches easily.You can use a special cleaning solution for aircraft windows and a soft cloth (no paper towels!).
6. Inspect the aircraft thouroughly as part of your power washing procedure.
Where the Rubber Meets the Runway
With all those take-offs and landings, airplanes leave a big mess behind on the airport runways that could lead to a very slippery, and therefore, dangerous situation. Fortunately, this rubber build-up can be removed easily and safely.
Using high pressure water jetting or water blasting equipment removes the build up of rubber making landing and taking off from the cleaned runway much safer. There are no harsh chemical agents involved to present other potential problems.
Airport safety is a concern for most people, yet many never consider how dangerous the runway can be when there is a buildup of rubber lurking on the runway.
How to Clean your Aircraft with a Pressure Washer
The recommended procedure to pressure wash your airplane is to start at the tail and work your way to the nose, from top to bottom.
Starting at the tail, turn the airplane rudder to the left and then to the right so you can clean areas of the rudder with your pressure washer that are only exposed while in use.
When you reach the fuselage, start from the bottom and work your way up. Make sure to spend time on the nose, removing any bugs or dirt that may have accumulated. You should avoid power washing the windshield and rather use a strong sponge and a squeegie or chamois cloth to dry it without streaks (try a vinegar and water solution for anything particularly hard to remove).
Use extra cleaning agents around the engine and engine mounts. If necessary use power washer brushes to clean heavy exhaust out. These rotating brushes will make the job much easier.
Proceed to the wings and flaps (lower flaps to clean hidden areas, as you did with the rudder). While you are there, look closely for any wear and tear.
Finally, power wash the wheels and landing gear and rinse everything with plenty of water.
Get the Best Results when Pressure Washing Your Airplane
Beyond the guidelines set forth in the preparation and safety tips, there are a few tricks to get the best results on your airplane pressure washing and out of your power washing equipment.
1. Work in small sections at a time, about three feet wide.
2. Rinse before proceeding to the next section to make sure that the cleaning solution does not sit on the surface for more than ten minutes to avoid streaking.
3. Use power washer accesories to make your job easier and more efficient, such as extension wands and rotating brushes.
4. Avoid pressure washing your airplane in the sun while the fuselage is hot because the pressure washing chemicals might react with the heat.
5. Always rinse generously with plenty of fresh water.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Alexis Niki |
