Airmen combat aircraft corrosion

A car wash is a simple process. A person drives their vehicle into an automatic system that sprays it clean with mixtures of soap and water. It is a process that only takes a few minutes and requires virtually no preparation.

USAF: Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom

U.S. Air Force Airman Chris Middleton, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, scrubs an AC-130W Stinger II on the flightline July 31 at Cannon Air Force Base. Aircraft are washed every 180 days to avoid corrosion and equipment malfunction.

It is not nearly as easy when it comes to washing an aircraft. This process involves not only multiple steps but also numerous airmen and shops.

The first step is to cover more delicate areas of the aircraft with plastic. This is done to keep water and soap out of certain components to prevent water damage and electrical shortages.

The aircraft is then moved to the power wash station where a group of airmen spray down and scrub off any dirt buildup or film caused by exhaust from the motors.

"Usually they deploy the plane for an extended period of time and when it comes back it's ready for a wash," said Senior Airman Christian Penaso, 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "Every time it comes back, salt from the ocean and dirt get stuck to the aircraft. Salt iodizes the metal and makes the aircraft rusty. By washing it, we prevent corrosion."

When the crew chiefs have finished washing the aircraft, the 27th Special Operations Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight will perform an inspection of the plane looking for any damage or cracks that need to be fixed.

This process takes place at least every 180 days to ensure the aircraft is fully functioning and prolongs the life of the plane — keeping it in the air where it belongs.