General Maintenance; Cleaning And Care Of Aircraft - MAULE Jetasen M-4 Maintenance Manual

CLEANING AND CARE OF AIRCRAFT

Keeping the performance, speed and durability that was built into your aircraft at the
factory requires more than casual attention. The accumulation of dirt and oil on the outside
and debris inside does affect these factors and can be a fire hazard as well. The first step to
proper maintenance is a clean aircraft.
EXTERIOR
Frequent washing is good for your aircraft finish, especially during the first few
months. Use any quality car wash with a soft cloth or sponge and plenty of clean water - do
not use dishwashing detergent. Drying should be done with a chamois. Accumulation of oil,
grease and exhaust carbon deposits should be removed frequently by using a soft cloth
soaked in mineral spirits or other neutral cleaner.
For general polishing, apply a good quality car polish or wax according to instructions.
Clean Plexiglas with plenty of soap and water using grit free soft cloth, chamois or sponge.
Use of a dry cloth on Plexiglas will not only cause scratches but will also build up an electro-
static field which will attract dust to the surface. Blotting with a clean damp chamois will re-
move the charge and the dust. After cleaning, polishing with a good Plexiglas cleaning prod-
uct such as "Mirror Glaze" will keep the glass clean and help polish out minor scratches.
Experience has shown that airplanes based at coastal airports or where there is an
otherwise corrosive atmosphere require special treatment to prevent corrosion, specifically
"electrolyte corrosion". Salt water and chemicals act as an electrolyte between dissimilar
metals and can start a strong corrosive action over a short period of time. Maule makes eve-
ry effort to separate dissimilar metals with primers and coatings during manufacture, but
there are some locations (such as rivets in wing skins) where this is impossible. To combat
corrosion it is important that the external painted surfaces be kept clean and well waxed.
Wash the airplane with fresh water frequently to remove any salt or chemical film. Periodi-
cally, coat the wings, flaps and ailerons internally with a quality corrosion preventative, sev-
eral of which are available. Floatplanes require more extensive preservation techniques
which are well known in the field.
INTERIOR
Floorboards should be vacuumed frequently and can be cleaned with any good rug
cleaner.
Rev. B
4/13/16
MAULE AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
M-4/C/S/T
FOR
SECTION II

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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