AMS/Boeing "Approved" cleaners?

[tooannoyd]

Hey,

So the sun is out and the birds are singing (or at least they are in my neck of the woods). My first proper summer as a PPL holder, so I am looking at getting my aircraft all nice and clean for some touring I've got coming up.

The guys at my airport say I need to clean it regularly with wax (no water available sadly) and showed me a bunch of different products: one for the upholstery, one for the glass (perspex whatever) one for the exterior etc.

I've had a look online and I'm a little confused. Some display various "approvals" like AMS 1550B or Boeing BSS7434 whilst others don't. Can someone explain to me what these "approvals" are (I'm imagining Boeing aren't going around to various aircraft chemical companies and actually testing these, but maybe they meet some specifications of theirs?) and are they necessary? Like if I use a non-approved cleaner is that going to destroy my aircraft or invalidate things like insurance or are these "approvals" more for larger aircraft (eg. Part 125, 135 etc. holders can only use approved cleaners on their aircraft?)

Sorry if this seems dumb but I'd rather not buy the wrong thing or destroy my lovely aircraft!

 

[Bell206]

Like if I use a non-approved cleaner is that going to destroy my aircraft

The main issue with cleaning solutions is their active ingredient may be harmful to aluminum or other metals found on aircraft. So when you see a Boeing spec or similar spec its been shown not to be harmful to aircraft. For example, Simple Green has an aviation specific cleaner in the line of cleaning solutions. One of the issues with cleaners is that they can cause corrosion or even cause hydrogen embrittlement of the aluminum. Always best to stick to products especially cleaning solutions for the products they are intended for.

 

[tooannoyd]

The main issue with cleaning solutions is their active ingredient may be harmful to aluminum or other metals found on aircraft. So when you see a Boeing spec or similar spec its been shown not to be harmful to aircraft. For example, Simple Green has an aviation specific cleaner in the line of cleaning solutions. One of the issues with cleaners is that they can cause corrosion or even cause hydrogen embrittlement of the aluminum. Always best to stick to products especially cleaning solutions for the products they are intended for.

I thought that, but the specs I quoted were from an interior cleaner. Is that to protect the fire resistant coating on the leather upholstery or something then?

 

[Dixiebluesky]

A good layer of bugs on the leading edges provides paint protection in the rain. Wash Wax from Aero Cosmetics works as good as anything if you want to keep it clean though.

 

[Bell206]

I thought that, but the specs I quoted were from an interior cleaner. Is that to protect the fire resistant coating on the leather upholstery or something then?

It usually don't matter whether its interior or exterior. The main issue is the cleaner needs to be non-corrosive and non-flammable to used on an aircraft. At least all the aircraft specific cleaners I've used were marked that way. As to fire resistance, either the core fabric is resistant and not affected by cleaners or there's a resistive coating applied to the fabric which is affected by cleaners and would need to be reapplied on a regular basis. And to add, cleaning solutions have tendency to get into areas you can't reach and over time can cause corrosion if not the proper cleaner solution.

 

[Racerx]

How close can you get your vehicle? I built a rig with a 65 gallon water tank and 12v pump just for this

 

[Gary Ward]

How close can you get your vehicle? I built a rig with a 65 gallon water tank and 12v pump just for this

I buy my cleaning chemicals from Aircraft Spruce to hopefully be safe to use on aircraft.
I mostly use Aeroglaze to clean off the bugs on a daily bases.
I like McFarlanes Dam for my windows. Get it in a gallon jug and put it in a spray bottle.
Mineral spirits is also used to keep the bottom, engine and front strut clean.
We don't have water in our T hangars.
Once a year right before annual inspection I give it a bath with water and mild car wash soap.
I have this 50 gallon tank that I use that is pretty handy for hauling water. I use a small 120V AC pump.
I use a small electric pressure washer and don't go nut's with it. I do fly the plane after the bath to help dry it out.

 

[tooannoyd]

Sorry should mention these are all "aircraft cleaners" none are for cars or boats eg. they've all got "aero" in the name or pictures of aircraft, just some have certifications whilst others don't; that's the crux of my question here, probably should've phrased that better.


As nice as a rig like that would be, I don't have a pickup sadly and I don't think the wife would approve of me sticking a massive water tank in the back of the car

 

[Roller]

Sorry should mention these are all "aircraft cleaners" none are for cars or boats eg. they've all got "aero" in the name or pictures of aircraft, just some have certifications whilst others don't; that's the crux of my question here, probably should've phrased that better.


As nice as a rig like that would be, I don't have a pickup sadly and I don't think the wife would approve of me sticking a massive water tank in the back of the car

The cert is not going to make your plane any cleaner, just has to be safe for aluminum, paint and plexiglass

 

[FPK1]

I use Pledge on the forward facing painted aluminum surfaces to get the bugs off and resist future bugs sticking to them...