vertical oily or greasy surfaces where water rinsing can
be tolerated.
AVIONIC CLEANING
MATERIALS
The materials discussed in this section are the ones
used most often when avionics and electrical
equipment are cleaned. For a complete list,
description, and application of avionic cleaning
materials. you should refer to NAVAIR 16-l-540.
MIL-D-16791, type 1 detergent, is used to clean
transparent plastics and glass. Also, it is used at I-level
maintenance activities as a water-based solvent spray
in cleaning booths and aqueous ultrasonic cleaners.
For cleaning by hand, you should apply it to the area
to be cleaned with a flannel cloth, let it dry, and then
remove it with a flannel cloth.
Trichlorotrifluoroethane is commonly known as
Freon (MIL-C-81302 cleaning compound). It is a
general cleaner for avionic and electrical systems. You
can use MIL-C-81302 Freon as type I (ultraclean) or
type II cleaner. The uses for these types of cleaners are
discussed in the following text.
TYPE I, MIL-C-81302, is used on precision
equipment where an ultraclean solvent is required. It
i s u s e d i n c l e a n r o o m a p p l i c a t i o n s i n
intermediate-level maintenance activities.
TYPE II: MIL-C-81302, is used on all internal
areas of avionics equipment. Normally, type II should
be filtered before it is used. It can be used to clean dirt
and dust from areas before soldering.
The application procedures and restrictions
applying to MIL-C-81302, types I and II, are the same.
They are as follows:
Apply by wiping or scrubbing the affected area
with an acid brush or toothbrush.
Air dry or oven dry, as applicable.
Do not use on acrylic plastics or acrylic
conformal coatings.
Do not use on unsealed aluminum electrolytic
capacitors. Damage may result to end caps and
cause leakage.
Isopropyl alcohol (TT-I-735) is a general-purpose
cleaner and solvent. Use it to remove salt residue and
contaminants from internal avionics and electrical
equipment. Use an acid brush or pipe cleaner to apply
a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water. Then, wipe
clean and air dry.
NOTE: Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and
requires the same handling and storage procedures as
other solvents.
MECHANICAL CLEANING
MATERIALS
Mechanical cleaning materials consist of items
such as abrasive papers: polishing compounds,
polishing cloths, steel wool, and wadding. These
materials are available in the supply system. However,
use them as outlined in the cleaning procedures section
of NAVAIR 01-1A-509 and the specific MIM. These
procedures prevent damage to finishes and surfaces.
In cases of conflicting information, NAVAIR
01-1A-509 always takes precedence.
Aluminum oxide abrasive cloth is available in
several forms. It is safe to use on most surfaces because
it does not contain sharp or needlelike abrasives.
Avoid the use of silicon carbide papers as a substitute
for aluminum oxide. The grain structure of silicon
carbide is sharp. It is so hard that individual grains can
penetrate steel surfaces.
Impregnated cotton wadding is used to remove
exhaust gas stains and to polish corroded aluminum
surfaces. It is also used on other metal surfaces to
produce a high reflection.
Aluminum metal polish is used to produce a
high-luster, long-lasting polish on unpainted
aluminum-clad surfaces. It is not used on anodized
surfaces because it will remove the oxide coat.
Q19.
Q20.
Q21.
Q22.
Q23.
Q24.
Q25.
What are the most serious hazards in handling,
using, and storing aircraft cleaning materials?
Why is there a requirement to use a respirator
when working with solvents?
What must be done specifically when storing
solvents that contain more than 24% chlorinated
materials?
Where must flammable liquids be stored when
not in use?
By what means is dry-cleaning solvent applied?
Safety solvent is currently referred to by what
name?
List the application procedures and restrictions
that apply to ML-C-81302, types I and II.
4-9