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Corrosion 101: What Causes It?

Here's the lowdown on this natural process affecting metals.

Corrosion comes in all shapes and sizes. [Courtesy: SEAL Aviation]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • OEM service documents, such as Service Bulletins (SBs), are not initially mandatory but are highly recommended for proactive maintenance to prevent serious issues.
  • Corrosion is a critical aviation safety concern, exemplified by the Learjet 45 wing corrosion, where initial SBs escalated to mandatory Airworthiness Directives (ADs) due to widespread structural deterioration.
  • Aircraft corrosion is caused by environmental factors (e.g., humidity, deicing fluids) and industrial pollutants, underscoring the importance of adhering to recommended inspections to ensure safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
See a mistake? Contact us.

There has always been plenty of chatter concerning OEM service documents, specifically whether compliance is optional or mandatory.

Are service documents mandatory? No. Are they a good idea to implement? It depends, but for the most part, yes, and you’ll soon discover why.

Richard Scarbrough

Richard is a US Navy Veteran, A&P Mechanic, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumni. His experience ranges from general and corporate aviation to helicopters, business jets, and commercial airliners. Former owner of a 145 repair station, he currently has an aerospace product management role and is a member of the T-C-Alliance. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @RScarCo.

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