SERVICE MANUAL & ICA
10000 AMPHIBIAN FLOATS ON AIR TRACTOR AT-802A
P/N 1002545
Revision U
Page 15
NOTE:
Before opening the main vent door for access, the door bracing turnbuckles (located inside the hopper
just below the vent door) need to be disconnected. They are accessible with the drop vent door open (1 on each
side).
1.7 HARD AND OVERGROSS LANDING AND DAMAGE INVSTIGATION
After a thorough cleaning of the suspected damaged area, all structural parts should be carefully examined to
determine the extent of damage. Frequently the force causing the initial damage is transmitted from one member
to the next causing strains and distortions. Abnormal stresses incurred by shock or impact forces on a rib,
bulkhead or similar structure may be transmitted to the extremity of the structural member, resulting in secondary
damage, such as sheared or stretched rivets, elongated bolt holes or wrinkled skins or bulkheads.
Points of attachment should be examined carefully for distortion and security of fastenings in the primary and
secondary damaged areas at locations beyond the local damage. A checklist in the Continuous Airworthiness
chapter of this manual provides the details on areas requiring inspection when aircraft is suspected of exceeding
its published landing weight.
1.8 CLEANING
The outside of the float should be kept clean by washing with soap and water. Special card should be taken to
remove engine exhaust trails, waterline marks, and barnacle deposits. After saltwater operation, washing with
fresh water should be done daily with special attention to hard-to-reach places such as: seams, wheel well, etc.
Alternatively, water taxiing in FRESH WATER at step-speed with the water scoops in the DOWN position and the
fire gates OPEN can help to flush the entire system. This method is especially recommended as a daily cleaning
for operators scooping in saltwater.
NOTE:
Operators scooping saltwater are strongly cautioned – rinsing the entire aircraft & floats with fresh
water inside and outside at the end of each day is critical. Failing in this cleaning will severely shorten the life
of the floats.
The float interior should be flushed if saltwater enters the compartments. If the floats are being stored inside,
remove inspection covers so the interior will dry out.
NOTE:
The above cleaning techniques are vital for keeping corrosion to a minimum. Saltwater operations and
environment are strongly linked to corrosion and must be addressed proactively.
1.9 CORROSION
Corrosion is a reaction that destroys metal by an electrochemical action that converts metal to oxide. Corrosion
is accelerated when in contact with dissimilar metals such as aluminum and steel, or any material that absorbs
moisture like wood, rubber, or dirt.
The primary means of detection of corrosion is visual. The most obvious sign is a corrosive
deposit of white powder. Other signs are discoloration of the metal surface or bubbles and
blisters under the painted surface. Light corrosion may be removed by light hand sanding
or chromic acid. Moderate and severe corrosion (blistering, flaking, and pitting) may be
removed by heavy sanding or grinding, and applying chromic acid. If significant loss of skin
material thickness will result after corrosion treatment, reinforcement or replacement of the
affected area may be necessary.