Cleaning Flight Deck Surfaces

Cleaning the flight deck requires special care to avoid damaging sensitive equipment and electronics.

1. Equipment and Materials

- Approved aviation-grade cleaning wipes or solution

- Lint-free cloths

- Gloves (to avoid fingerprints)

2. Procedure

1. Preparation: Ensure the aircraft's power is off and that no sensitive equipment is at risk of damage.

2. Cleaning:

   - Use approved cleaning wipes or lightly dampened cloths to clean flight deck surfaces.

   - Avoid excessive moisture, especially around instruments, screens, and electronic components.

   - Wipe surfaces gently to remove dirt, smudges, and fingerprints.

3. Finishing:

   - Dry surfaces with a lint-free cloth to prevent streaking.

   - Inspect all cleaned areas to ensure no moisture or cleaning residue remains.

Final Checks and Clean-Up

After completing the cleaning tasks, follow these steps for final checks and clean-up:

- Inspect the aircraft's exterior and flight deck for any missed spots or issues.

- Ensure all cleaning materials and equipment are stored properly.

- Report any damage or unusual findings to your supervisor.

Conclusion

By following these procedures, you'll ensure that the aircraft are clean, safe, and ready for their next flight. 

Cleaning with Extendable Poles  

Extendable poles are great tools for cleaning high or hard-to-reach exterior surfaces. Here's a step-by-step guide on using them:

1. Select the Right Pole  

   Choose a pole that can reach the desired height. It should be sturdy but not too heavy to control easily. Consider telescopic or modular designs for versatility.

2. Choose the Right Attachment  

   Attachments like brushes, squeegees, or microfiber pads can be connected to the end of the pole. Choose based on the type of cleaning needed. For washing, a brush or pad might be best; for drying, a squeegee is ideal.

3. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution  

   Select an appropriate cleaning solution for the surface type. For general exterior cleaning, a mild soap and water mixture is usually sufficient. For tougher grime or algae/mold, consider a solution with a mild detergent or specific cleaning agent.

4. Secure the Attachment  

   Ensure the attachment is firmly secured to the pole to avoid accidents or damage to surfaces.

5. Start Cleaning  

   - Rinsing: Start by rinsing the surface with water to remove loose dirt and debris.

   - Washing: Apply the cleaning solution to the surface using the brush or pad. Work from the top down to avoid streaking.

   - Scrubbing: If needed, apply gentle pressure to scrub stubborn spots or stains.

   - Rinsing: Rinse off the cleaning solution with clean water, again working from top to bottom.

   - Drying: Use a squeegee to remove excess water to prevent streaks or water spots.

6. Safety Precautions  

   - Be aware of your surroundings, ensuring that no one is underneath the area you're cleaning.

   - Use a stable base and avoid overextending the pole, which could cause it to snap or collapse.

   - Wear safety gear like gloves and safety glasses if necessary.