• Cole Bishop
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The Pilot's Guide to Safely Cleaning Your Aircraft's Windscreen

Maintaining clear visibility is crucial for safe flying. A clean windscreen not only ensures a better view but also contributes to the safety and longevity of the aircraft. However, special care is needed when cleaning to avoid damage. This guide provides you with a safe and effective method for cleaning your aircraft's windscreen, incorporating the latest best practices.

 

Understanding Your Windscreen: Aircraft windscreens are typically made from polycarbonate or acrylic, chosen for their light weight and strong resistance to impacts. These materials are more susceptible to scratches than traditional glass, requiring a delicate cleaning process.

 

Step 1: Preparation

 

• Materials You'll Need:
  • Plush, lint-free microfiber cloths
  • Clean water in a trigger sprayer
  • A gentle, aircraft-safe all-purpose cleaner (APC) diluted 8 to 1 with water

*Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or paper towels that could scratch the surface.

 

Step 2: Initial Dust Removal Use your trigger sprayer to lightly mist the windscreen with water. Using a plush, dry microfiber towel, gently remove loose dust and contaminants by dragging the towel down the windscreen, avoiding any pressure that could cause scratches.

 

Step 3: Apply Diluted All-Purpose Cleaner Spray the diluted all-purpose cleaner onto the windscreen or onto a clean microfiber cloth, allowing it to sit for 30 to 45 seconds. This helps break down stubborn contaminants and bugs without harsh scrubbing.

Important: Prevent the APC from drying on the windscreen to avoid etching. Keep the surface moist throughout the process.

 

Step 4: Emphasizing the Vertical Wipe Using a plush, clean microfiber cloth, gently wipe the windscreen in a vertical motion from top to bottom. This technique minimizes the visibility of any unavoidable micro-scratches and aligns with the natural vertical movement of our eyes, enhancing visibility.

 

Step 5: Neutralize the Cleaner After wiping away the cleaner, spray the windscreen with water again to remove any residual cleaner, ensuring it's fully neutralized before the final buffing.

 

Step 6: Dry and Buff Finish by drying the windscreen with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. Buff gently to remove any streaks, restoring the windscreen's clarity and shine.

 

Windscreen Restoration and Ceramic Coating Services

 

Understanding that even with the best care, windscreens can suffer from wear and tear, we offer comprehensive solutions to restore and protect your aircraft's windscreen:

 

• Windscreen Restoration Service: If you're concerned about scratches or marring affecting your view, our windscreen restoration service can polish or wet sand out these imperfections, restoring your windscreen to its pristine condition.

 

• Ceramic Coating for Windscreens: To further protect your windscreen and simplify maintenance, consider our ceramic coating service. This coating cures to a 9H hardness, reducing micromarring during cleaning and making it easier to remove bugs and contaminants, as they don't adhere as well to the coated surface.

 

A clear windscreen is essential for safe and enjoyable flying. By following these cleaning steps and considering professional services for restoration and protection, you ensure your windscreen remains in top condition, enhancing your flying experience. For more details on our windscreen restoration and ceramic coating services or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us. We're here to help you maintain optimal visibility and protect your investment.