General Maintenance; Cleaning And Care Of Aircraft - MAULE Sportplane Trigear MXT-7-160 Maintenance Manual

CLEANING AND CARE OF AIRCRAFT

Keeping the performance, speed and durability that was built into your aircraft at the fac-
tory requires more than casual attention. The accumulation of dirt and oil on the outside and de-
bris 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 car soap or detergent with a soft cloth or sponge and plenty of clean water. 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 electrostatic field
which will attract dust to the surface. Blotting with a clean damp chamois will remove the charge
and the dust. After cleaning, polishing with a good Plexiglas cleaning product such as "Mirror
Glaz" 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 other-
wise corrosive atmosphere require special treatment to prevent corrosion, specifically "electro-
lyte 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 every effort to sepa-
rate dissimilar metals with primers and coatings during manufacture, but there are some loca-
tions (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. Periodically, coat the wings, flaps and ailer-
ons internally with a quality corrosion preventative, several 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.
Care should be taken in the disposal of candy wrappers, paper scraps, etc. These can
work their way under the floorboards and become a fire hazard and moisture trap.
NOTE: While washing the aircraft, ascertain that all drain holes are open. Clean out any debris
blocking them. Accumulated water can be dangerous, so check behind the baggage compart-
ment frequently.
Rev. E
MAULE AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
MXT-7-160
FOR
SECTION II

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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