Combating Corrosion: Proactive Maintenance Tips for Aircraft Owners

Corrosion is more than just a cosmetic concern for general aviation aircraft—it’s a pervasive threat that can compromise the safety and longevity of your critical components. Surprisingly, many aircraft owners put off corrosion corrections until serious issues force their hand—often during a routine check-up or, worse, when an unexpected malfunction disrupts their flight plans. 

Here at Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma, we’ve seen firsthand how a little proactive anti-corrosion maintenance today can prevent major repairs and complications down the line. Understanding how corrosion occurs, and how to reverse it, not only keeps your aircraft investment in top flight condition, it also ensures you’re always ready for takeoff.

Watch for these common causes of aircraft corrosion

Corrosion has a way of sneaking up on even the most watchful of aircraft owners. It stems from a variety of destructive sources—environmental elements like humidity and salt, operational factors like chemical de-icing solutions, and even prolonged storage in less-than-ideal conditions. 

The damage caused by corrosion has many faces. Surface corrosion that eats away at every scrap of metal in sight. Pitting corrosion, which bores small holes into your components, weakening their structures. Stress corrosion cracking that exploits ‌vulnerable joints and connection points in strained metals.

Each type of corrosion uniquely undermines the structural integrity of your aircraft, impacting performance and, more critically, your flying safety. That’s why recognizing the early signs of corrosion, or preventing it before it starts, is one of the best things an aircraft owner can do to extend the lifespan of their plane. 

Identifying corrosion

The visual indicators of corrosion range from obvious rust and unusual discoloration, to more subtle signs like surface irregularities or unusual wear patterns. While these signs can appear anywhere on your aircraft, there are a few spots more prone to corrosive wear and tear than others.

One common corrosion hotspot is the undercarriage, an area constantly exposed to moisture and varying environmental contaminants. 

Exhaust trails, where exhaust fumes come into contact with metal surfaces, are another spot where we frequently see corrosive damage. 

Acid leaks and fume build-up are a couple of the leading causes of corrosion around battery compartments, and these corroding agents tend to strike quickly and severely. 

Even the wheel wells, an area often overlooked, can harbor moisture and debris that encourage corrosion. 

When it comes to catching corrosion, it’s not just about giving your aircraft a once-over every few flights. It’s about looking in the right places—and knowing exactly what to spot. 

Preventing and managing corrosion

The corrosive agents your aircraft is regularly exposed to depend on the environment you fly in. But regardless of your geography, there are a few routine maintenance procedures you can follow to prevent or limit the main causes of corrosive damage.

Regularly washing and thoroughly drying your aircraft is the simplest way to keep rust, salt, and de-icing agents from eating through your exterior surfaces. Stripping away these harmful residues and removing extra moisture both slow corrosion. Equally crucial is the proper application of lubricants and corrosion inhibitors, which provide a protective barrier against the elements. Some aircraft owners also use corrosion-resistant coatings and spray-on materials to further limit the spread of corrosion.

Even with preventive maintenance steps in place, it’s important to regularly and carefully inspect every component at risk of developing corrosion. And when wear becomes visible, don’t risk it—fix it. 

When in doubt, call Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma

The dangerous thing about corrosion is that it can go unnoticed for years—until a malfunction or breakdown prompts a more thorough inspection. 

Whether you’ve just noticed a bit of corrosion, or you’ve already had a repair issue, our team of experienced techs can help. We specialize in both diagnosing and repairing corrosion issues in a variety of aircraft components, and even keep many new, overhauled, and exchange units in stock. 

Don’t wait for signs of corrosion to sideline your aircraft. Connect with our team to schedule your inspection, maintenance, or repairs now. Message us at airacc1@airacc.com or call (800) 255-9924 to speak to a real (friendly!) person. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest news and updates from our Tulsa, Oklahoma repair station.