SAFETY


CLEAN I


KEEP IT


It’s a nuisance — we’ve all spent the best part of a year washing our hands, using hand sanitiser and wearing masks, but we still need to be careful


f you have your own aircraft, and you’re the only one who flies it, and always solo, then obviously life’s pretty straightforward. BUT flying schools’, clubs’ and group aircraft need to be properly disinfected between each flight. As you know by now, the virus can


survive for a significant amount of time in, around, and on an aircraft. So, touching surfaces and belongings that are contaminated by an infected person who has coughed, sneezed on, or touched, might expose you to the virus. First, before you start on the aircraft – protect yourself!


Consider using suitable PPE - wear a mask if you are in a hangar/building or close proximity to/with other people; wear disposable gloves for your pre-flight inspection; use single-use cloths or paper towels. Make sure you dispose of your cleaning materials safely and securely. Have a small bottle of hand sanitizer (70-100ml) in your pocket or flight bag to use regularly after touching things commonly touched by others i.e., hangar doors, towbars, tech logs etc. Switches, levers, knobs, instruments and many more items will have been handled in flight so clean and disinfect every part of the cockpit (and aircraft) that might have been touched.


So, what to use? Always check first anything you plan to use with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual or manufacturer. Here’s a few don’ts and do’s:


22 CLUED UP SPRING 2021


Don’t be tempted to use mechanical devices, they could just spread it around and make matters worse. Compressed air, steamers or pressure washers can potentially send bits of the virus back into the air. Similarly, with a vacuum cleaner, not all vacuum filters stop the virus so there’s a risk of blowing back out into the air again, ready to inhale! (If you do use a vacuum cleaner, ensure the exhaust is directed to outside the aircraft.) Don’t use an Ionizer, it creates a static charge around airborne contaminants which then simply stick to the nearest surface (not the result you’re after…), even worse, some can create ozone which attacks organic material such as rubber (think hoses), plastics and leather. Do use a disinfectant that has a documented effect on the Coronavirus. Ideally it should contain alcohol as this is highly effective against Covid-19. Leather and windows should not be treated with alcohol. Household washing-up liquid is another option. Make sure you read the manufacturer’s label for suitability, and be careful to apply the correct disinfectant on the right surface, for example:


• Some chemicals are corrosive so don’t use them on metals; others can make plastic brittle so be careful not to spill on electric wires; take special care when disinfecting seatbelts, certain chemicals/sprays


are destructive to textiles.


• Electronics and instruments are best cleaned with a gentle microfibre cloth on the displays and glass to avoid causing scratches. Anti-reflective glass can be cleaned with a 50/50 IPA solution, for plastic screens use a mild soap solution. Whatever you use, keep the amount of fluid to the minimum necessary to kill the virus, avoid any getting into the instruments.


• Wet-wipes may not be ideal, check what they contain, citric acids or sodium bicarbonate can etch displays. Whereas Clinical Disinfectant Surface Wipes would be suitable for cleaning control columns, throttle levers and other similar knobs.


• Use only your own personal equipment. Headsets, especially, should not be shared. Using a headset that has been used by others represents a high risk, even if it has been cleaned. If you have special flying gloves, yes use them in flight but not for cleaning.


• Remember, even with a cleaned and disinfected aircraft, you could still be infected by another person.


So, to protect yourself and others – Keep It Clean, Disinfect Thoroughly, Dispose of Cleaning Material Safely


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