Why FAA Approved Cleaners Matter for Aircraft

What Makes a Cleaner FAA Approved

The FAA does not directly approve cleaning products. Instead, manufacturers test chemicals against aviation material standards and provide technical data sheets demonstrating compatibility. These products are then listed in aircraft maintenance manuals as approved for specific surfaces.

Approved cleaners undergo testing for pH balance, corrosive properties, residue formation, and compatibility with aluminum, composites, acrylic windows, and painted surfaces. Products that pass become listed in Technical Standard Orders (TSO) and maintenance documentation.

Corrosion Risks from Unapproved Products

Aircraft aluminum alloys are particularly susceptible to corrosion from alkaline or acidic cleaners. Household products often contain chemicals that appear safe on automotive paint but attack aviation surfaces.

Common Corrosion Causes

• High pH cleaners: Alkaline products etch aluminum and cause pitting
• Chlorine based bleach: Accelerates stress corrosion cracking in high strength alloys
• Ammonia compounds: Attack anodized surfaces and protective coatings
• Acid based wheel cleaners: Cause intergranular corrosion in structural components

Warranty Considerations

Aircraft manufacturers explicitly void paint and coating warranties when unapproved products are used. Gulfstream, Bombardier, Cessna, and Dassault all maintain approved product lists in their maintenance manuals.

Using non approved cleaners can void:

• Paint system warranties (typically 5 10 years)
• Window and windscreen coatings
• Interior leather and fabric treatments
• Protective coating guarantees

Safety and Regulatory Implications

Beyond corrosion and warranty issues, unapproved cleaners can create safety hazards. Residues on windscreens reduce visibility. Slippery residues on cabin floors create slip hazards. Harsh fumes in enclosed spaces affect crew and passengers.

Part 91 operators have flexibility in product selection, but Part 135 charter operators face stricter requirements. Charter aircraft must follow manufacturer approved procedures, including product specifications.

Approved Product Categories

Exterior Cleaners

Products like Velocity, Aero Cosmetics, and Aviation Laboratories produce pH neutral aircraft washes tested for aluminum compatibility. These formulas remove dirt and contamination without attacking protective coatings or bare metal.

Interior Cleaners

Cabin products must be non toxic, low odor, and compatible with leather, fabric, wood, and plastic surfaces. Approved brands include Aerospace, Khem Pro, and manufacturer specific products from Gulfstream and Bombardier.

Window and Acrylic Cleaners

Aviation acrylics scratch easily and require specific formulations. Approved cleaners contain anti static agents and gentle solvents that won't craze or cloud the plastic.

How to Verify Product Approval

Check your aircraft's maintenance manual (Chapter 12 typically covers servicing) for approved product lists. Manufacturers publish technical data sheets listing compatible cleaners by brand and product number.

Your detailing provider should maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and verify compatibility before use. Professional operators won't apply products without confirming approval status.

The Professional Difference

Experienced aircraft detailers invest in approved products and maintain current technical data. The cost difference between automotive products and aviation formulations is minimal compared to the risk of corrosion or warranty violations.

When selecting a detailing service, ask what products they use and request verification of FAA compliance. Operators who cannot provide technical data sheets or manufacturer approvals should be avoided.