Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a common corrosive agent that affects aircraft materials?
Which of the following is NOT considered a common corrosive agent that affects aircraft materials?
- Acids
- Salts
- Alkalis
- Silicates (correct)
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosive attack from alkalis?
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosive attack from alkalis?
- They react violently with any alkaline solution.
- They become electrolytic when exposed to alkalis.
- They are prone to corrosive attack unless the alkaline solutions contain a corrosion inhibitor. (correct)
- They lack natural protective oxide layers.
What chemical process occurs when mercury comes in contact with aluminum in aircraft structures?
What chemical process occurs when mercury comes in contact with aluminum in aircraft structures?
- Oxidation
- Amalgamation (correct)
- Galvanization
- Electrolysis
Why is the regular cleaning and maintenance of aircraft lavatories important in preventing corrosion?
Why is the regular cleaning and maintenance of aircraft lavatories important in preventing corrosion?
Which aircraft area is most susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to mud, water, salt, and gravel?
Which aircraft area is most susceptible to corrosion due to exposure to mud, water, salt, and gravel?
What is the primary reason why engine mounts are prone to corrosion, especially from the inside out?
What is the primary reason why engine mounts are prone to corrosion, especially from the inside out?
Why are piano hinges considered prime spots for corrosion on aircraft?
Why are piano hinges considered prime spots for corrosion on aircraft?
Which action helps to minimize corrosion in piano hinges?
Which action helps to minimize corrosion in piano hinges?
What is the specific concern regarding aluminum welding that can lead to corrosion?
What is the specific concern regarding aluminum welding that can lead to corrosion?
What type of corrosion primarily occurs in stainless steels or nickel-based alloys due to undesirable heat treating during welding?
What type of corrosion primarily occurs in stainless steels or nickel-based alloys due to undesirable heat treating during welding?
Why should aircraft parked outside for extended periods be inspected for bird and mouse nests?
Why should aircraft parked outside for extended periods be inspected for bird and mouse nests?
What should be used to neutralize the area around lead acid batteries to minimize corrosion?
What should be used to neutralize the area around lead acid batteries to minimize corrosion?
What is the main reason for ensuring that bilge drains are kept clear and drain hoses are properly secured?
What is the main reason for ensuring that bilge drains are kept clear and drain hoses are properly secured?
How do certain food and beverage spills in galleys and cargo compartments contribute to corrosion?
How do certain food and beverage spills in galleys and cargo compartments contribute to corrosion?
Which maintenance practice is essential for jet fuel tanks susceptible to organic growth and water accumulation?
Which maintenance practice is essential for jet fuel tanks susceptible to organic growth and water accumulation?
What is the primary reason for frequent inspections of control cables, regardless of whether they are made of carbon steel or corrosion-resistant steel?
What is the primary reason for frequent inspections of control cables, regardless of whether they are made of carbon steel or corrosion-resistant steel?
What is the purpose of using dielectric grease on electrical connectors and pins?
What is the purpose of using dielectric grease on electrical connectors and pins?
What is the purpose of regular cleaning and neutralization of acid deposits around aircraft batteries?
What is the purpose of regular cleaning and neutralization of acid deposits around aircraft batteries?
Why is it important to pay close attention to areas around rivet heads and skin lap joints during aircraft maintenance?
Why is it important to pay close attention to areas around rivet heads and skin lap joints during aircraft maintenance?
What potentially corrosive effect can occur in aircraft fuel tanks due to water accumulation?
What potentially corrosive effect can occur in aircraft fuel tanks due to water accumulation?
In the context of aircraft maintenance, what does the term 'amalgamation' refer to?
In the context of aircraft maintenance, what does the term 'amalgamation' refer to?
What is the recommended method for removing welding flux from aluminum after the welding process?
What is the recommended method for removing welding flux from aluminum after the welding process?
Why are aircraft skin seams and lap joints particularly susceptible to corrosion?
Why are aircraft skin seams and lap joints particularly susceptible to corrosion?
What substances, particularly corrosive to aluminum, should be avoided or carefully controlled around aircraft?
What substances, particularly corrosive to aluminum, should be avoided or carefully controlled around aircraft?
What is the most effective way to manage the risk of corrosion in aircraft bilge areas?
What is the most effective way to manage the risk of corrosion in aircraft bilge areas?
What is a critical factor in preventing corrosion in control surfaces and stabilizers, especially in areas with hinges?
What is a critical factor in preventing corrosion in control surfaces and stabilizers, especially in areas with hinges?
What is the role of a corrosion inhibitor when using alkaline solutions on aluminum and magnesium alloys?
What is the role of a corrosion inhibitor when using alkaline solutions on aluminum and magnesium alloys?
What are the major atmospheric corrosive agents that affect aircraft materials?
What are the major atmospheric corrosive agents that affect aircraft materials?
Why must close attention be paid after an aircraft has been stripped for paint?
Why must close attention be paid after an aircraft has been stripped for paint?
What is generally used for nickel-cadmium batteries to neutralize the area around the batteries?
What is generally used for nickel-cadmium batteries to neutralize the area around the batteries?
What is the most likely result of corrosive buildup on aircraft control cables?
What is the most likely result of corrosive buildup on aircraft control cables?
Which of the following scenarios would present the HIGHEST risk of corrosion to an aircraft's aluminum components?
Which of the following scenarios would present the HIGHEST risk of corrosion to an aircraft's aluminum components?
Which of the following best describes how residual oil in the bilge area of an aircraft fuselage contributes to corrosion?
Which of the following best describes how residual oil in the bilge area of an aircraft fuselage contributes to corrosion?
What is a key consideration when inspecting and maintaining aircraft piano hinges to prevent corrosion?
What is a key consideration when inspecting and maintaining aircraft piano hinges to prevent corrosion?
What is the most likely reason for green-colored corrosion found on electrical connectors in an aircraft?
What is the most likely reason for green-colored corrosion found on electrical connectors in an aircraft?
Which part of the multi piston or turbo prop engine aircraft gear bays are usually located behind?
Which part of the multi piston or turbo prop engine aircraft gear bays are usually located behind?
What is a consequence of neglecting the sumping of fuel tanks in piston engine aircraft?
What is a consequence of neglecting the sumping of fuel tanks in piston engine aircraft?
Why are aircraft parked outside for extended periods susceptible to corrosion from birds and mouse nests?
Why are aircraft parked outside for extended periods susceptible to corrosion from birds and mouse nests?
Which statement best describes the relationship between alkalis and aluminum alloys in aircraft structures?
Which statement best describes the relationship between alkalis and aluminum alloys in aircraft structures?
What is the primary reason for concern regarding mercury in the context of aircraft maintenance and corrosion prevention?
What is the primary reason for concern regarding mercury in the context of aircraft maintenance and corrosion prevention?
Why are aircraft exhaust trail areas particularly susceptible to corrosion?
Why are aircraft exhaust trail areas particularly susceptible to corrosion?
How does the presence of residual oil in aircraft bilge areas contribute to corrosion?
How does the presence of residual oil in aircraft bilge areas contribute to corrosion?
Why is it crucial to neutralize paint stripper from aircraft surfaces after paint removal?
Why is it crucial to neutralize paint stripper from aircraft surfaces after paint removal?
What is the potential consequence of corrosive buildup on aircraft control cables?
What is the potential consequence of corrosive buildup on aircraft control cables?
Why is the interior of control surfaces and stabilizers prone to corrosion?
Why is the interior of control surfaces and stabilizers prone to corrosion?
What is the purpose of using sodium bicarbonate around lead acid batteries in aircraft?
What is the purpose of using sodium bicarbonate around lead acid batteries in aircraft?
Why might water accumulation in aircraft fuel tanks lead to corrosion?
Why might water accumulation in aircraft fuel tanks lead to corrosion?
Which of the following represents the PRIMARY agents responsible for causing corrosion in metals?
Which of the following represents the PRIMARY agents responsible for causing corrosion in metals?
Why should aircraft be thoroughly inspected after being stripped for paint?
Why should aircraft be thoroughly inspected after being stripped for paint?
How does the design of control surfaces and stabilizers contribute to corrosion?
How does the design of control surfaces and stabilizers contribute to corrosion?
Why are alloys used in airframes highly susceptible to corrosion from moderately strong acids?
Why are alloys used in airframes highly susceptible to corrosion from moderately strong acids?
Why is flux used in aluminum welding problematic from a corrosion standpoint?
Why is flux used in aluminum welding problematic from a corrosion standpoint?
How can aircraft engine exhaust deposits lead to corrosion?
How can aircraft engine exhaust deposits lead to corrosion?
What is the chemical process by which mercury corrodes aluminum, and why is it particularly destructive?
What is the chemical process by which mercury corrodes aluminum, and why is it particularly destructive?
What consideration is most important when inspecting aircraft skin seams and lap joints for corrosion?
What consideration is most important when inspecting aircraft skin seams and lap joints for corrosion?
What makes engine mounts prone to corrosion, especially from the inside out?
What makes engine mounts prone to corrosion, especially from the inside out?
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosive attack from alkaline solutions?
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosive attack from alkaline solutions?
What is specifically corrosive to aluminum among common substances?
What is specifically corrosive to aluminum among common substances?
Frequent inspections of control cables are emphasized, whether they are made of carbon steel or stainless steel. Why?
Frequent inspections of control cables are emphasized, whether they are made of carbon steel or stainless steel. Why?
What is the main reason for concern about bird and mouse nests in aircraft that are parked for extended periods?
What is the main reason for concern about bird and mouse nests in aircraft that are parked for extended periods?
Which environmental factor significantly contributes to the corrosion of aircraft materials in marine atmospheres and industrial areas?
Which environmental factor significantly contributes to the corrosion of aircraft materials in marine atmospheres and industrial areas?
Why is it critical to maintain clear bilge drains and properly secured drain hoses in aircraft?
Why is it critical to maintain clear bilge drains and properly secured drain hoses in aircraft?
Where are multi-piston or turbo prop engine aircraft gear bays typically located?
Where are multi-piston or turbo prop engine aircraft gear bays typically located?
Which of the following best explains why neglecting to sump fuel tanks in piston engine aircraft can lead to corrosion?
Which of the following best explains why neglecting to sump fuel tanks in piston engine aircraft can lead to corrosion?
In what specific manner do salt solutions accelerate corrosion on aircraft, especially for aluminum and magnesium alloys?
In what specific manner do salt solutions accelerate corrosion on aircraft, especially for aluminum and magnesium alloys?
What corrosive effect is potentially caused by water accumulation in aircraft fuel tanks and how does this impact the fuel system?
What corrosive effect is potentially caused by water accumulation in aircraft fuel tanks and how does this impact the fuel system?
Among the atmospheric corrosive agents, what makes marine atmospheres and industrial areas particularly concerning for aircraft corrosion?
Among the atmospheric corrosive agents, what makes marine atmospheres and industrial areas particularly concerning for aircraft corrosion?
Why must jet fuel tanks be checked regularly for organic growth?
Why must jet fuel tanks be checked regularly for organic growth?
Aircraft wheel wells and landing gear areas are heavily bombarded with which corrosive materials?
Aircraft wheel wells and landing gear areas are heavily bombarded with which corrosive materials?
Why is proper cleaning of electrical pins or sockets crucial in aircraft maintenance?
Why is proper cleaning of electrical pins or sockets crucial in aircraft maintenance?
How does the galvanic action of dissimilar metals contribute to corrosion in piano hinges?
How does the galvanic action of dissimilar metals contribute to corrosion in piano hinges?
Which area in an aircraft is most likely to experience corrosion due to spills of sugary drinks and foods?
Which area in an aircraft is most likely to experience corrosion due to spills of sugary drinks and foods?
Which procedure is recommended to remove welding flux from aluminum after completing welding operations?
Which procedure is recommended to remove welding flux from aluminum after completing welding operations?
Why are fumes from an overheated battery electrolyte particularly dangerous?
Why are fumes from an overheated battery electrolyte particularly dangerous?
In aircraft maintenance, what is the term 'amalgamation' associated with and what does it refer to?
In aircraft maintenance, what is the term 'amalgamation' associated with and what does it refer to?
What is the primary purpose of using dielectric grease on electrical connectors and pins in aircraft systems?
What is the primary purpose of using dielectric grease on electrical connectors and pins in aircraft systems?
What makes aircraft exhaust trail areas especially prone to corrosion?
What makes aircraft exhaust trail areas especially prone to corrosion?
How can technicians detect corrosion forming on the inside of a control cable?
How can technicians detect corrosion forming on the inside of a control cable?
If alkalis come in contact with aluminum or magnesium, what should be applied unless a corrosion inhibitor is present within the alkali?
If alkalis come in contact with aluminum or magnesium, what should be applied unless a corrosion inhibitor is present within the alkali?
What maintenance consideration will help to reduce corrosion in aircraft engine inlets?
What maintenance consideration will help to reduce corrosion in aircraft engine inlets?
What is weld decay, and on what types of alloys does it mostly occur?
What is weld decay, and on what types of alloys does it mostly occur?
Which of the following is a recommended practice for preventing corrosion in piano hinges during aircraft maintenance?
Which of the following is a recommended practice for preventing corrosion in piano hinges during aircraft maintenance?
Which areas of the airplane are the most important to maintain and clean in order to prevent corrosion and maintain a safe environment?
Which areas of the airplane are the most important to maintain and clean in order to prevent corrosion and maintain a safe environment?
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosion from alkaline solutions?
Why are aluminum and magnesium alloys particularly susceptible to corrosion from alkaline solutions?
What is the chemical process called when mercury corrodes aluminum in aircraft structures?
What is the chemical process called when mercury corrodes aluminum in aircraft structures?
Which action is most important after an aircraft has been stripped of paint to prevent corrosion?
Which action is most important after an aircraft has been stripped of paint to prevent corrosion?
Why is the regular sumping of fuel tanks especially important for aircraft using leaded aviation fuel?
Why is the regular sumping of fuel tanks especially important for aircraft using leaded aviation fuel?
Why do engine mounts experience a higher rate of corrosion compared to other parts of the aircraft?
Why do engine mounts experience a higher rate of corrosion compared to other parts of the aircraft?
In what way do marine atmospheres and industrial areas pose a higher risk of corrosion to aircraft materials?
In what way do marine atmospheres and industrial areas pose a higher risk of corrosion to aircraft materials?
Why are aircraft skin seams and lap joints prone to corrosion?
Why are aircraft skin seams and lap joints prone to corrosion?
How does corrosion on aircraft control cables typically affect their operation?
How does corrosion on aircraft control cables typically affect their operation?
In the context of aircraft corrosion prevention, what is the PRIMARY reason for concern about bird and mouse nests in parked aircraft?
In the context of aircraft corrosion prevention, what is the PRIMARY reason for concern about bird and mouse nests in parked aircraft?
What is the most likely reason for finding green-colored corrosion on electrical connectors in an aircraft?
What is the most likely reason for finding green-colored corrosion on electrical connectors in an aircraft?
Flashcards
Corrosive agents
Corrosive agents
Substances causing metal corrosion, including acids, alkalis, and salts. Atmosphere and water also contribute.
Effect of Acids
Effect of Acids
Severely corrode airframe alloys; sulfuric, halogen, nitrous oxide, and organic acids are the most destructive.
Nests in aircraft
Nests in aircraft
Can cause corrosion in parked aircraft; regular inspections and protective coverings are needed
Leaky lavatory systems
Leaky lavatory systems
Signup and view all the flashcards
Alkalis
Alkalis
Signup and view all the flashcards
Corrosive Substances to Aluminum
Corrosive Substances to Aluminum
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ammonia's Effect
Ammonia's Effect
Signup and view all the flashcards
Effect of Salts
Effect of Salts
Signup and view all the flashcards
Atmospheric Corrosive Agents
Atmospheric Corrosive Agents
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mercury's Effect
Mercury's Effect
Signup and view all the flashcards
Paint Stripper
Paint Stripper
Signup and view all the flashcards
Engine Exhaust Deposits
Engine Exhaust Deposits
Signup and view all the flashcards
Neutralizing Battery Corrosion
Neutralizing Battery Corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Bilge Areas
Bilge Areas
Signup and view all the flashcards
Aircraft Drain Holes
Aircraft Drain Holes
Signup and view all the flashcards
Seaplane Structures
Seaplane Structures
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lavatories, Galleys Corrosion
Lavatories, Galleys Corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Wheel Well and Landing Gear
Wheel Well and Landing Gear
Signup and view all the flashcards
Landing Gear Corrosion Areas
Landing Gear Corrosion Areas
Signup and view all the flashcards
Engine Inlets
Engine Inlets
Signup and view all the flashcards
Piano Hinges
Piano Hinges
Signup and view all the flashcards
Control Surfaces Interior
Control Surfaces Interior
Signup and view all the flashcards
Jet Fuel Tanks
Jet Fuel Tanks
Signup and view all the flashcards
Carbon Steel Cables
Carbon Steel Cables
Signup and view all the flashcards
Aluminum Welding Flux
Aluminum Welding Flux
Signup and view all the flashcards
Weld Decay
Weld Decay
Signup and view all the flashcards
Engine Mounts
Engine Mounts
Signup and view all the flashcards
Skin Seams and Lap Joints
Skin Seams and Lap Joints
Signup and view all the flashcards
Electrical Components Corrosion
Electrical Components Corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Acid strength and corrosion
Acid strength and corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Preventing animal nest corrosion
Preventing animal nest corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Atmospheric corrosion
Atmospheric corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Swaged Cable Corrosion
Swaged Cable Corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Minimizing battery electrolyte corrosion
Minimizing battery electrolyte corrosion
Signup and view all the flashcards
Aircraft Control Cables
Aircraft Control Cables
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Substances causing metal corrosion are corrosive agents.
- Acids, alkalis, and salts are the most common corrosive agents.
- The atmosphere and water also act as corrosive agents.
Acids
- Moderately strong acids severely corrode most airframe alloys.
- Sulfuric acid (battery acid), halogen acids (hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, hydrobromic), nitrous oxide compounds, and organic acids found in human and animal waste are the most destructive acids.
- Birds and mice nesting in aircraft can have a corrosive effect.
- Aircraft parked outside or in open enclosures for extended periods are at risk of animal nesting.
- Regular inspections and protective coverings for engine plugs and probes are needed.
Alkalis
- Alkalis are generally less corrosive than acids.
- Aluminum and magnesium alloys are highly prone to corrosive attack by alkaline solutions unless a corrosion inhibitor is present.
- Washing soda, potash (wood ashes), and lime (cement dust) are particularly corrosive to aluminum.
- Ammonia is an exception; aluminum alloys are highly resistant to it.
- Leaky lavatory systems also cause a rapid rate of corrosion which means the area around the lavatory should be cleaned regularly.
Salts
- Most salt solutions are good electrolytes and promote corrosive attack.
- Stainless-steel alloys are resistant to salt solutions.
- Aluminum, magnesium alloys, and other steels are extremely vulnerable to salt solutions.
- Exposure of airframe materials to salts is undesirable.
Atmosphere
- Oxygen and airborne moisture are major atmospheric corrosive agents.
- The atmosphere contains other corrosive gases, industrial contaminants, and marine salt spray.
- Marine and industrial atmospheres have high salt concentrations.
- Chemicals precipitate, collect moisture, and cause corrosion. Acid rain also corrodes aircraft metals.
Mercury
- Mercury isn't commonly used around aircraft but may be in cargo.
- It attacks aluminum via amalgamation and destroys the material quickly.
Paint Stripper
- Paint stripper is highly corrosive if not correctly removed and neutralized after use.
- Close attention including removing and neutralizing any trace of paint stripper should be given after stripping paint on an aircraft.
Corrosion Prone Areas
Exhaust Trail Areas
- Exhaust deposits from jet and reciprocating engines are very corrosive because of gaps, seams, hinges, and fairings which are located downstream from the exhaust pipes or nozzles.
- Deposits may be trapped and inaccessible by normal cleaning and therefore rivet heads and skin lap joints require special attention.
Battery Compartment
- Fumes from overheated electrolyte are difficult to contain, which causes rapid corrosion on unprotected metal surfaces.
- Regular cleaning and acid deposit neutralization minimizes corrosion.
- Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes lead acid batteries, whereas ammonia or boric acid is used for nickel-cadmium batteries.
Bilge Areas and Drains
- The bottom of the fuselage is a natural collection point for waste hydraulic fluids, water, dirt, and debris.
- Residual oil masks water, creating a hidden chemical cell.
- Blocked bilge drains and unsecured drain hoses cause problems by freezing the NWS control cable.
- Aircraft drain holes should be cleared and drained to prevent clogging and corrosion.
- Instead of chemical treatments for the bilge water, current float manufacturers recommend the diligent maintenance of the internal coatings applied to the float’s interior during manufacture.
Lavatories, Buffets and Galleys
- Spilled food and waste behind lavatories, sinks, and ranges attract moisture and cause corrosion.
- Pay special attention to bilge areas under galleys and lavatories and maintain the protective sealant and paint finishes.
- Wine, sugary drinks, food, fruit, and vegetables in cargo compartments are very corrosive.
- Urine and fecal matter from leaky plumbing also cause corrosion, so leaks need to be contained during repairs.
Wheel Well and Landing Gear
- Wheel wells and landing gear receive punishment from mud, water, salt, gravel, and flying debris.
- Gear bays should be kept clean from grease, oil, and exhaust.
- On multi piston or turbo prop engine aircraft the gear bays are usually behind the engine nacelles and exhaust gasses are present
- Exposed rigid tubing (especially at B-nuts and ferrules), clamps, tubing identification tapes, position indicator switches, electrical equipment, stiffener crevices, ribs, lower skin surfaces, struts, oleos, arms, links, and attaching hardware are all susceptible to corrosion.
Engine Inlets
- Engine inlet areas are constantly abraded by airborne dirt, dust, gravel from runways, and rain, leading to removal of the protective finish.
- Erosion also impacts the leading edges of wings, stabilizers, propellers, and rotor leading edges on helicopters.
- Remember when the protective coating such as paint is lost on the surface of aircraft metals those metals become susceptible to many forms of corrosion.
Piano Hinges
- Piano hinges are prime corrosion spots due to dissimilar metal contact between the steel pin and the aluminum hinge.
- Hinges trap dirt, salt, and moisture.
- Inspection must include lubrication and actuation to ensure complete lubricant penetration with water-displacing lubricants.
Control Surfaces
- Control surfaces and stabilizers are hard to inspect and trap moisture.
- Recessed control surfaces in wings and stabilizers make hinges hard to access for inspection.
- Hinges trap moisture and dirt, which causes corrosion.
Fuel Tanks
- Jet fuel tanks are highly susceptible to organic growth that holds water, which causes corrosion. Integral fuel tanks are particularly at risk.
- Sealants in tanks are impervious to fuel but not always to water.
- Daily fuel tank sumping is essential.
- Improper sumping of fuel can set up an area for corrosion, but can also lead to water build-up that turns to ice at altitude and creates havoc to the fuel quantity indication system.
- Fuel tanks in piston engine aircraft that hold leaded aviation fuel also need to be sumped daily due to water in the tanks caused by condensation or contaminated fuel, bad fuel cap seal, or pilots leaving the gas cap off in the rain.
Control Cables
- Aircraft control system cables are made of carbon steel or corrosion-resistant steel such as galvanized or stainless steel.
- Unprotected carbon steel cables corrode when water gets between the strands.
- Corrosion that forms on the inside the cable will be hard to detect.
- Areas where cables are swaged are also corrosion prone.
- Corrosive buildup increases friction against pulleys, causing sluggish control response.
- All cables must be inspected frequently for corrosion and wear.
Welded Areas
- Aluminum welding requires the use of flux to exclude oxygen.
- Welding flux contains fluorides and chlorides and bisulfides which are extremely corrosive to aluminium.
- If not fully removed post-welding, corrosion can occur.
- Welding flux dissolves with hot water and a nonmetallic bristle brush.
- Weld decay is intergranular corrosion adjacent to welds caused by heat treating of metals. Attack on grain boundaries can cause cracking and grain loss.
- Weld decay occurs mostly in stainless steels or nickel-based alloys.
Engine Mounts
- Engine mounts are corrosion prone because the starter's heavy current returns to the battery through the engine mount.
- This sets up an electrical potential difference, causing corrosion, and engine mounts corrode from the inside out.
- SAE grade 4130 steel, also known as chrome-moly (chromoly), is used in most small aircraft engine mounts.
- Surface corrosion should be treated, welded areas inspected carefully and firewalls inspected for corrosion.
Skin Seams and Lap Joints
- Sheared aluminum skin edges expose aluminum alloy without Alclad protection.
- Corrosion will propagate from sheared edges or drilled holes.
- Water and cleaning solvents can get trapped between skins.
- These edges are sealed with PRC on commercial aircraft but not on general aviation aircraft and therefore the edges are to be inspected frequently and kept clean.
Electrical Connectors, Wire, Circuit Breakers and Switches
- Electrical items are prone to corrosion in contact with moisture or high temperature, humidity, atmospheric pollutants, de-ice fluid, or hydraulic fluid.
- Internal corrosion of switches, connectors, and circuit breakers causes arcing leading to system faults/failures.
- Copper, lead, and tin wiring are targets for corrosion.
- Copper or brass corrosion leaves a green oxide.
- Electrical pins/sockets need regular cleaning with contact cleaner. Dielectric grease prevents moisture ingress.
- Most commercial aircraft pins and sockets are made out of Gold.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.