Cleaning & Corrosion Control
Cleaning & Corrosion Control is a core knowledge area on the AMT — General FAA written exam. This hub collects our 16 in-depth, ACS-aligned cleaning & corrosion control articles — each written in plain English and grounded in the official FAA handbooks. Work through them below, then drill the topic with practice questions.
Galvanic Corrosion in Dissimilar Metal Contacts
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals make electrical contact in the presence of an electrolyte, causing the less noble metal to corrode rapidly — a critical concern in aircraft maintenance and repair.
Types of Aircraft Corrosion and Their Identification
Aircraft corrosion takes many distinct forms — from uniform surface attack to hidden intergranular decay — and an AMT must recognize each type on sight to stop structural damage before it becomes catastrophic.
Causes and Conditions That Accelerate Aircraft Corrosion
Corrosion silently destroys aircraft structural integrity; understanding the environmental, chemical, and design conditions that accelerate it is essential for every aviation maintenance technician.
Corrosion Removal Methods for Aluminum Aircraft Structures
Aluminum aircraft structures require specific corrosion removal methods — from mechanical abrasion to chemical treatments — to restore structural integrity while protecting the base metal from further attack.
Protective Aircraft Coatings and Paint Systems
Aircraft protective coatings and paint systems do far more than enhance appearance — they form the primary barrier against corrosion, UV degradation, and chemical attack, making proper selection and application critical to airframe longevity and safety.
Corrosion Treatment and Chemical Conversion Coatings
Aviation maintenance technicians must identify, treat, and prevent corrosion on aircraft structures using approved chemical processes and conversion coatings to maintain airworthiness and structural integrity.
Anodizing and Alodine Surface Treatment Processes
Anodizing and Alodine (chromate conversion coating) are two essential aluminum surface treatments that prevent corrosion by creating protective oxide layers — a must-know topic for the FAA AMT General knowledge test.
Aircraft Corrosion Inspection Techniques and Procedures
Aircraft corrosion inspection requires systematic visual and tactile examination of high-risk zones, proper use of inspection aids, and strict documentation to catch early-stage deterioration before structural integrity is compromised.
Aircraft Cleaning Agents and Approved Solvent Use
Aircraft cleaning agents range from mild soaps to powerful solvents, and selecting the right product—while following safety and regulatory guidance—is essential for corrosion control and airworthiness.
Proper Aircraft Washing and Surface Cleaning Procedures
Proper aircraft washing and surface cleaning protects against corrosion, preserves structural integrity, and keeps inspection surfaces visible — following FAA-approved procedures is essential for every AMT.
Corrosion Control in Aircraft Bilge and Drain Areas
Bilge and drain areas are the most corrosion-prone zones on any aircraft; understanding why they corrode and how to inspect, treat, and prevent damage is essential AMT knowledge.
Corrosion Prevention on Aircraft Ferrous Metal Components
Ferrous metal aircraft components are highly vulnerable to rust and corrosion; learn the FAA-approved detection, treatment, and prevention methods every AMT must master for airworthiness.
Stress Corrosion Cracking in Aircraft Structural Members
Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) occurs when sustained tensile stress combines with a corrosive environment to split metal from the inside out, often without visible warning — making it one of the most dangerous forms of corrosion in aircraft structures.
Fretting Corrosion in Aircraft Joints and Fastener Holes
Fretting corrosion develops at metal contact surfaces under cyclic micro-motion, quietly destroying joint integrity and fastener holes long before visible damage appears — a top concern for every AMT.
Corrosion Control for Aircraft in Marine and High-Humidity Environments
Marine and high-humidity environments accelerate aircraft corrosion dramatically; understanding the types, inspection methods, and treatment procedures is essential for AMT certification and airworthy maintenance.
Documenting and Recording Aircraft Corrosion Findings
Proper documentation of aircraft corrosion findings is a safety-critical maintenance function that ensures traceability, regulatory compliance, and informed future inspections — every finding must be recorded accurately in the aircraft's maintenance records.
More AMT — General subjects
Articles are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. ACS-aligned study aids — not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.