How do you wash your plane?

[Becca]

The product it recommends for cleaning is "Extreme Simple Green Aircraft & Precision Cleaner, or approved equivalent". Just saying...

Simple Green Pro HD is exactly the same formulation as Simple Green Aircraft + Precision Cleaner and a lot easier to find when the mood strikes.

This isn't rumor, its on their web site:

http://www.simplegreen.com/solutions_faqs.php?search_query=aircraft&search_query_backup=aluminium

Simple Green has also developed break-through water based cleaners that are safe for use on metals, plastics, rubber and high tech alloys. Extreme Simple Green® Aircraft & Precision Cleaner and Simple Green® Pro HD are available on both the industrial and retail markets, respectively. These products were initially developed for the aircraft industry and extensive testing shows that they are safe and effective on a variety of metals and other sensitive surfaces even in the most extreme circumstances.

The only difference is you can get Pro HD for half the cost at your local Home Depot than ordering it from an aircraft supply place

I agree, don't use regular household cleaners on your airplane.

[Wildhorsesracing]

I usually pick a nice day that is sunny pull my plane over to the hose with my cleaning bucket (soap, sponges and some degreaser) and wash it. Once it is done I take it around the pattern a few times to dry it off.

[Becca]

I Generally don't allow water to touch my plane.

I have heard this sentiment a surprising number of times. Why not? Is there something I am missing about the mixture of water and planes? We had a guy in the old aero club who wouldn't wash the bottom of his plane (which was black from grease) for the same reason - not being willing to allow water to touch the bottom of his plane (he said he figured it was ok for it to touch the top, because the thing was TIED DOWN OUTSIDE!). Anyway, has any one had any experience with their plane being damaged from water in some way or the other? Do we need to be more careful?

[fantom]

I Generally don't allow water to touch my plane.

Makes flying through rain a non sequitur.

[1964-M20E]

I have heard this sentiment a surprising number of times. Why not? Is there something I am missing about the mixture of water and planes? We had a guy in the old aero club who wouldn't wash the bottom of his plane (which was black from grease) for the same reason - not being willing to allow water to touch the bottom of his plane (he said he figured it was ok for it to touch the top, because the thing was TIED DOWN OUTSIDE!). Anyway, has any one had any experience with their plane being damaged from water in some way or the other? Do we need to be more careful?

Well I did but that was from flooding with salt water from a hurricane. I guess that is different.

I do not see the harm in washing your plane most planes sleep outside even the big boys 737s, etc sleep outside and they cost a lot more than ours do. I would not flush water inside the wings but on the outside I do not see a problem unless you are washing it every day.

[fantom]

....flying the plane after washing probably does a good job of drying out the structure...

It does, and it's a better drying job of a little water, than the water inundation you get flying in rain.

[jetdriven]

We only live a few miles from the Gulf, I figured regular (monthly) washes in our covered tie-down are better than sitting out on the ramp. Especially better than letting salt from the air collect on it.

[Cabanaboy]

I've been using these products to wash and polish

GLARE ULTRA WASH

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ultra_polish4.php

GLARE PROFESSIONAL POLISH

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ultra_polish1.php

[Chimpanzee]

And to make it even more interesting how about polishing? My 20C paint is not very shine, so I contemplate the purchase of a CYCLO polisher t give it onec or twice a year a mote thorough shining. Any experience in that area ?

Norbert

[garytex]

The dew in South Texas, even 20 miles inland is really rust and corrosion promoting. Anything left exposed goes downhill quickly. Washing the salt air off is important, so is wax.

[jetdriven]

To add to the discusson, DuPont says not to Wax Imron and Azko Nobel says not to wax Alumigrip either. They claim it builds up a film and does not extend the life of the paint. What you you all think?

[fantom]

Rejex....twice a year

[BigTex]

In addition to the occasional bath, what does everyone use to wipe down your plane after returning from a flight?

[MARZ]

Makes flying through rain a non sequitur.

best spot free rinse there is - fly through a shower

[Hank]

In addition to the occasional bath, what does everyone use to wipe down your plane after returning from a flight?

I bought some of these, liked them and now have several in the closet. One lives on the hat shelf in a baggie; the one I use at home lives in a plastic container that I pour water into before use. "The ULTIMATE Cloth" from "The MIRA-cle Cloth Company" sold by a nice lady out of her home. She actually has a neighbor watch her mailbox and ship product when she is out of town. I've misplaced her name, but her number is (614) 337-0519 in Columbus, OH.

Kind of like an artificial chamois, but even more absorbent. If you have a good layer of wax [or my preferred Wash-Wax All], the bugs come right off using this here cloth and water. Nothing else to buy, ever, and when traveling just pour the leftover water from a bottle onto the cloth in your hand and remove bugs. Easy, effective and inexpensive.

I think the quantity discount is/used to be 5 for $25, or a whole bunch at a better unit price. I bought 5 to start with, gave several away and bought the next-higher quantity. Love them!

[mulro767]

I bought a jug of Extreme Simple Green Aircraft Cleaner and a large bag of Costco micro fiber clothes about three years ago. I dilute the Simple Green 4:1 in a spray bottle. It may last another 2-3 years.

But then again I fly around bugs.

[1964-M20E]

I found a great way to wash my plane today. Went on a breakfast run this morning filed IFR both ways and expected some light rain on the trip and that is what we had outbound. We had about 10 minutes of light to moderate precipitation on the return flight and all the dust and water spots that were on the plane all disappeared. A fun easy way to build time and wash the plane. :-)))) I just need to figure out how to get someone to scrub the bottom while flying. Maybe I could fly at tree top level and use the trees as a scrub brush. :-(( Well that may not be a good idea.

[Rwsavory]

I found a great way to wash my plane today. Went on a breakfast run this morning filed IFR both ways and expected some light rain on the trip and that is what we had outbound. We had about 10 minutes of light to moderate precipitation on the return flight and all the dust and water spots that were on the plane all disappeared. A fun easy way to build time and wash the plane. :-)))) I just need to figure out how to get someone to scrub the bottom while flying. Maybe I could fly at tree top level and use the trees as a scrub brush. :-(( Well that may not be a good idea.

Next time, just fly inverted in the rain for a few minutes.

[1964-M20E]

That might work but then I'd have to clean the headliner.

[fantom]

Next time, just fly inverted in the rain for a few minutes.

 

Just like Denzel did in the movie, Flight.