As Winter falls upon us and the chill sets in, I want to ensure you are all prepared and protected from the Ice and Snow.

Below is a document which was gleaned from the Cessna magazine BUT it applies to all types of aircraft.

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Prevent Corrosion with Frequent Aircraft Washes All Models, ATA: 12-30

Cessna strongly recommends more frequent aircraft washing, cleaning, and inspections during the winter months to reduce the potential of corrosion forming on surfaces and structures.

Operating aircraft during cold weather months is challenging and removal of ice, frost, or snow is essential for safe flight. In addition, airport use of runway de-icers and applications of de-icing/anti-icing fluids during winter weather events can add to corrosion concerns.

Operators in Europe should be aware that most local airports use potassium formate-based runway de-icing products. These types of de-icers are advertised to be environmentally friendly, however, are known to have chemical properties similar to urea or salt. Salt is destructive due to its ability to serve as an electrolyte, which can chemically attack a number of common aircraft alloys.

Research indicates the interaction between aircraft de-icing/anti-icing fluids may contribute to forming residual gels. During some weather conditions, the residue from snow and ice removal fluids can collect moisture and congeal into a gel-like substance that can collect in landing wheel wells, and aerodynamically quiet areas of the wing around the ailerons and wing flaps.

Airplane de-icing/anti-icing fluids are often combined with runway de-icers when airplane fluids flow off the wings during take-off roll onto treated runways. Wet taxiways and the use of thrust reversers can also mix the two fluids together forming residue on airplane surfaces.

For this reason it is important to pay particular attention to the frequency of applications of de-icing/anti-icing fluids and watch for unwanted gel formations in wheel wells, rear wing spars, and flight control hinge areas. If a residue is discovered, the airplane should be washed as soon as possible.

Operators can refer to the Exterior Cleaning procedures in Chapter 12 of the applicable maintenance manual. Information on the Description and Operation of Corrosion can also be found in Chapter 51. In addition, more corrosion prevention information is available in web article, “Winter Operations—Using Corrosion”, posted October 19, 2011, on Cessnasupport.com.

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The Full Wax is fully kitted up chemical wise to deal with “De-Icer Removal” Remover Treatment.

This Product is Bio-Degradable and Non-Damaging to Aircraft Skin/Parts.

This chemical and application takes place prior to the Body Clean, etc. and will cost an additional £150 EX VAT. And can be applied to any Area/Surface of your aircraft from Landing Gear to Crown!

We are also happy to carry out visual inspections to check for signs of corrosion and weather damage ….. FOC. On-site at Farnborough Airport.