Mahindra GIPPSAERO GA8-TC 320, Operating Handbook

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C01-01-08 5 Feb 2009 Page 8-9
Section 8
Handling, Service &
Model GA8-TC 320 Maintenance
8.18 CLEANING AND SIMILAR CARE
8.18.1 Windshield and Windows
The windshield and windows are made from a plastic material and consequently a certain
amount of care is required to keep them clean. The following procedure is recommended:
1.
Flush with clean water to remove excess dirt, bugs and other loose particles.
2. Wash with a mild soap and warm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge. Do not rub excessively.
3. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean moist chamois. Do not rub with a dry cloth as this
builds up an electrostatic charge which attracts dust. Oil and grease may be removed by
rubbing lightly with a soft cloth moistened with kerosene. Do not use volatile solvents
such as gasoline, alcohol, benzine, carbon tetrachloride, lacquer thinner or most
commercial window cleaning sprays, as they will soften and craze the plastic.
4. After washing, the windshield and windows should be cleaned using an aircraft windshield
cleaner following carefully the manufacturers instructions.
8.18.2 Painted Surfaces
The painted exterior surfaces of the aircraft can be washed using a mild detergent and water.
Special aircraft cleaning detergents may be used or alternatively an automotive liquid detergent
provided it is non-corrosive and contains no abrasive materials. Stubborn oil and grease may be
removed using a small amount of solvent such as kerosene.
8.18.3 Propeller Care
Preflight inspection of propeller blades for nicks, and wiping them occasionally with an oily
cloth to clean off grass and bug stains will ensure long and trouble free service. Small nicks
on the propeller, particularly near the tips, and on the leading edge and on the rear face near
the leading edge, should be dressed out as soon as possible as these nicks produce stress
concentrations, and if ignored, may result in cracks and subsequent blade failure. Never use an
alkaline cleaner on the blades; remove grease and oil with a suitable solvent such as kerosene.
8.18.4 Engine Compartment
The engine compartment should be kept clean to minimise any danger of fire, and to allow
proper inspection of engine components. The engine and engine compartment may be washed
down with a suitable solvent, then dried thoroughly.
CAUTION:
PARTICULAR CARE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
BEFORE CLEANING. SOLVENT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO
ENTER MAGNETOS, STARTER, ALTERNATOR, AND THE LIKE. THESE
COMPONENTS SHOULD BE PROTECTED BEFORE SATURATING THE
ENGINE WITH SOLVENT. ANY OIL, FUEL, AND AIR OPENINGS ON THE
ENGINE AND ACCESSORIES SHOULD BE COVERED BEFORE WASHING
THE ENGINE WITH SOLVENT. CAUSTIC CLEANING SOLUTIONS SHOULD BE
USED CAUTIOUSLY AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE PROPERLY NEUTRALISED
AFTER THEIR USE.