ALPHA Electro
www.pipistrel-aircraft.com
REV. 0
POH-167-00-40-150
Keeping your aircraft in perfect shape
In order for the ALPHA Electro to perform the way it should, all of the airframe’s surfaces must cleaned
on a regular basis. This is especially true for the wing’s leading edges, which can seriously affect per-
formance if left dirty. Cleaning must be carried out carefully, so that the aircraft’s composite surfaces
don’t incur any damage.
Precautions
Rubbing any of the aircraft’s surfaces aggressively or polishing any of them is not permitted and, if
necessary, can only be carried out by an approve maintenance organization.
Avoid the use of ALL aggressive cleaning solutions and organic solvents whenever possible, including
window cleaning spray, benzene, aggressive shampoos etc.
When flying in regions with a lot of bugs in the air the leading edges of the airframe (propeller, wings,
tail) need to be protected before flight with antistatic furniture spray cleaner such as Pronto (transpar-
ent, manufacturer: Johnson Wax), or something equivalent. When using such spray, do not apply it
directly onto the wing but onto a soft cloth instead (old T-shirts are best).
After having finished with flight activity for the day, clean the leading edges of the airframe as soon as
possible with a lot of water and a drying towel (chamois, artificial leather skin). This will be very easy
to do if the leading edge was sprayed with an antistatic spray cleaner before flight.
Post-flight wash down
Bugs, which represent the most of the dirt to be found on the airframe, are to be removed with clean
water and a soft cloth (this can also be done using a drying towel, chamois or artificial leather skin).
Begin by soaking all the leading edges of the airframe first. Then wipe the aircraft’s entire surface
until it is completely dry. Clean the propeller and remove any grease spots separately using a mild car
shampoo with a wax.
CAUTION! Do not, under any circumstances attempt to use aggressive cleaning solutions, as
you will severely damage the lacquer, which is the only protective layer before the structural
laminate.
When using the aircraft in difficult atmospheric conditions (intense sunshine, dusty winds, coastline,
acid rains etc.) make sure to clean the outer surface more thoroughly.
CAUTION! Do not, under any circumstances attempt to remove such bug-spots with abrasive
sponges and/or rough polishing pastes.
Periodical cleaning of all outer surfaces with car shampoo
It is recommended the aircraft be cleaned from top to bottom using a soft sponge. Be careful not to
use a sponge that is contaminated with any fine particles, such as those found in mud and sand, as
this could abrade/damage the surface. While cleaning, soak the surface and the sponge many, many
times. Use a separate sponge to clean the bottom of the fuselage, as is it usually greasier than the
rest of the airframe. When pouring water over the airframe, be careful not to direct it over the charger
door, battery inlets, wing-fuselage joining section, BPRS straps and cover, pitot tube, tail static probe
and/or motor cowlings.
8-4
Handling and Servicing
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