Aviation Maintenance: Cleaning and Painting

Flashcards covering aircraft cleaning, corrosion treatment, and painting procedures based on the Aviation Institute of Maintenance lecture notes.

Plastic Media Blasting (PMB)

A method commonly used in aircraft maintenance for removing paint without damaging the underlying material.

Orange peel

A common aircraft paint texture problem caused by paint being too thick or not being mixed well.

Chromic acid inhibitor

A chemical that treats corroded areas and rebuilds regional protection by sealing the metal against further corrosion, requiring a cover finish to be fully effective.

Polyurethane and epoxy

The two types of paint most commonly used on aircraft.

Control surface balance

A check that must be performed after painting because paint adds weight that can change balance, affecting flight stability and control.

Mineral spirits

A solvent often preferred over turpentine in aircraft maintenance because it has a milder smell and is generally safer to use.

Naphtha

A solvent used to clean rubber marks from a surface and improve the flow of oil-based paint.

Topcoat

The layer of aircraft paint that provides color and protects the layers underneath.

Wash primer

A thin acidic layer applied to bare metal to help the next coat of paint stick better.

Nonionic detergent cleaners

Aircraft cleaning compounds that are safe for cleaning many different aircraft surfaces.

Water-based detergent cleaner

The type of cleaner specified for use on oxygen system components such as crew masks and hoses.

Dry cleaning solvent

A cleaner that, similar to kerosene, leaves a slight residue upon drying.