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Tips to wash a KingAir

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Old 30th Aug 2003, 00:59
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Talking Tips to wash a KingAir

'llo Gals & Guys

My boss finally got rid of his Seneca and bought a 1981 Beech90 KingAir.
New plane but same responsabilities : I have to wash it time to time
What are the recommended products and techniques to make this old lady shiny and eye appealling ?

Many thanks
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Old 30th Aug 2003, 01:21
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When I finish my ATPL training (about Mid November), get your boss to employ me & I'll clean it for you, then, no problems.

Good to see you again, in the Jersey Aeroclub Bar, a few weeks ago.

FB
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Old 30th Aug 2003, 04:05
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Hi FB

Next time I come in the Jersey Aero-Club, I'll park the Kingair on the grass, and you can have a go at cleaning her !

Loved your Gestapo uniform !

Good luck for the ATPL , keep me informed.

PR
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Old 30th Aug 2003, 05:44
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Used to do the same thing years ago on a Citation...... the easy answer was to BRING FRIENDS..... with a promise of taking them for a flight.........


Mutt.
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Old 30th Aug 2003, 09:07
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Chap runs a company called Air Defence out of Bournemouth might be able to sell you some product for cleaning. If you can't find him (can't remember the number), Meridian out of Bournemouth might be able to put you on to him. Their number is 01202 583 200.

To Mods - sorry if this is considered advertising and I won't be upset if you remove it. BTW I don't work for any of the above companies and have no vested interest
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Old 30th Aug 2003, 12:26
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Exhaust stains can be removed easily with CarbonX, the rest of the aircraft can be washed with a garden hose and a mild detergent. Use a long handled nylon bristled brush, with soft tips.
Don't fall off the wing or ladder....it hurts

After washing, the finish can be kept lookin' nice with a coat of AeroMagnolia PolyGlide.

Clean the windows with Plexus, developed for the USAF for expensive aircraft canopies.
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Old 31st Aug 2003, 13:18
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I agree with 411A's washing technique and have also used Aero Magnolia's Poly Glide for a finishing touch. If the aircraft is not covered in dust, i.e. there is no danger of scratching the paint, I would recommend to skip washing the aircraft altogether and use Aero Magnolia's 'Aero Glaze', a dry-wash and polish, which also removes insects and exhaust stains better than soapy water and a brush. Be careful using a pressure washer: While it sure removes the dirt, it may also remove the necessary grease from vital aircraft parts, e.g. the flap tracks.

I have only cleaned the company's Learjet and therefore have no knowledge about products that keep the rubber de-icing boots nice and shiny, but I guess Beechcraft would know...You should probably contact them anyway, just to make sure you are using approved products, because, technically, you cannot use any generic supplies from your local shop carrying automotive detailing products, but you will have to use approved products.

While you are at it: Check on products to clean the brake dust off the wheels and an approved tire foam to make the tires look like new.

411A mentioned it: Plexus - www.plexusplasticcleaner.com - is the way to go when it comes to cleaning the windshield...

Also, get your boss to invest in quality tools: You need a decent ladder, a buffer, heavy-duty extension cords, a small and versatile vacuum cleaner and plenty of sponges, brushes etc. In this case your local home improvement store and a nearby automotive shop will be able to help.

For the aircraft interior, we use household products: Occasional application of carpet cleaner makes the carpet look new and adds a fresh scent, furniture polish for the cabinets and leather polish for the seats can make a huge difference, especially if the aircraft interior is a little older. Armor All Protectant, the same stuff you would use to freshen the look and protect the plastic parts of your car works well on a UV-damaged panel and dashboard and, since it is supposedly anti-static, it keeps the dust off for a while.

A few more tips:

1.) When cleaning the aircraft, do so in stages. Doing it all in one day is frustrating and exhausting - e.g. wash the plane and clean the wheels/tires on the first day, polish the fuselage and clean the windows on the second day, polish the wings and detail the boots on the third day. Throw in a little interior work every day and you will have a very happy boss!!! Even if you have to fly in between those days, the continuity will pay off...

2.) When we go on trips, we always carry some cleaning supplies. Thirty minutes of cleaning off exhaust stains, insects and wiping down the interior will do wonders: It makes you and the plane look good and you do not have to do as much work when returning home - it also shortens the time you spend waiting for the boss to return to the airport...

3.) You might want to get your local paint shop to mix you some paint so you can touch-up any chipped paint around the door frame and other areas within frequent passenger view.

It is not always fun cleaning an aircraft, but once you get some experience, it actually is not all that much work, because you will know what to clean and when and how often...enjoy!!!
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Old 3rd Sep 2003, 21:03
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Thumbs up

A little "Johnsons Floor wax" will make the boots shine. Just apply it with a soft cloth right out of the bottle and let it dry. It also hardens a bit so it wont wash off right away. It is NOT an approved Beechcraft method, but I learned it from an old timer, and it will not damage the boots.
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Old 18th Sep 2003, 02:24
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Low-Pass, 411A, Fearjet, BobZyurUnkl

Your comments and tips are appreciated.
Many thanks indeed.

411A , is there any subject you can't give a reply ?
My friend is hardly working on the Connie flight model with your tips.

Best regard all

PR
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Old 18th Sep 2003, 11:48
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PR,

Tell your friend with the Connie sim to plan on an oil burn of two gallons per hour per engine...that should keep him busy for awhile...
OTOH, can't tell you anything about a glass flight deck...last time I looked at one, didn't recognise hardly anything....
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