AMS 1530 Cleaner for Aircraft Exterior Surfaces - Wipeable, Dryable

The “AMS 1530 Cleaner for exterior aircraft surfaces - Wipeable, dryable” standard, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), describes the requirements for a water-miscible cleaner in ready-to-use liquid form.

Aircraft exterior cleaners are generally a highly concentrated, water-soluble, alkaline type of cleaner. These cleaners do not contain solvents or caustics, are non-toxic, and are biodegradable. They are safe on all aluminum, magnesium, and all structural metals, as well as all quality paints and plastics. They are also non-flammable. These types of cleaners are primarily wipeable, dryable, and water-mixable for aircraft exteriors.

Aircraft exterior cleaning involves restoring the original condition of the aircraft's surface. Exterior cleaning can be done by water washing, simply washing, or wiping the aircraft with a spray cleaner and cloth. The purpose of exterior cleaning is to remove dirt, insects, exhaust traces, oil stains, and stains from the aircraft's exterior. This helps improve the aircraft's physical appearance and extend the service life of the aircraft's exterior body, paint, and related components.

Unpainted surfaces of the aircraft require polishing to remove surface corrosion and improve their appearance. These areas are polished using an orbital buffer or by hand with a non-abrasive cleaning or polishing solution when oxidation begins to appear. Surrounding painted and plastic exterior surfaces are masked to prevent damage. Surfaces are left with a mirror-like finish and all polish-related residue is removed. Painted surfaces require polishing in certain areas to maintain the high gloss exterior of the entire aircraft and to remove stubborn stains, usually around exhaust areas.

There are three main methods for aircraft exterior cleaning: wet washing, dry washing, and polishing. Polishing can usually be accomplished using specialized mechanical polishing machines.

Aircraft wet washing is useful for removing oil, grease or carbon deposits and most dirt. However, this method adds little or no value to the treatment of corrosion and oxide films. In this method, cleaning compounds are sprayed onto the exterior of the aircraft and then high-pressure water washing is used to rinse the aircraft surface. This cleaning method can mainly use alkaline or emulsion cleaning products.

Aircraft dry washing is used when the purpose is to remove airfield film, dust and small accumulations of dirt and soil. Dry washing is used when the use of liquids is not appropriate. It is important to understand that dry washing is not suitable for removing heavy deposits of carbon, grease or oil, especially in engine exhaust areas. Dry washing materials are applied with spray, mops or cloths and removed by dry mopping or wiping with clean, dry cloths.

Polishing restores the shine to painted and unpainted surfaces of an aircraft and is usually done after the surfaces have been cleaned. Polishing is also used to remove oxidation and corrosion. Polishing materials are available in a variety of forms and abrasiveness levels. It is important to follow the aircraft manufacturer's instructions for specific applications.

All cleaning activities meet airline standards and are performed in accordance with industry-approved and accepted standards. All applicable building and safety codes and aircraft manufacturer recommended cleaning and servicing instructions are followed. One of these standards is AMS 1530.

Our organization has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies provided for businesses in various sectors, there are also test services in accordance with the "AMS 1530 Cleaner for aircraft exterior surfaces - Wipeable, dryable" standard.