AC 43-4A

Historical

Advisory circular · Corrosion Control for Aircraft

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 43-4B Ed Update 2 is the version in force, approved November 22, 2024.
Approved
July 25, 1991
Last reviewed
June 13, 2024
Cancels
AC43-4
Cancelled by
AC43-4B
Family
AC 43-4 · 4 versions
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
43
Cited by
12 ADs

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 65–76
Page 77OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-3. CORROSION INDICATED BY BLISTERING OF PAINT IN FUEL CELL FIGURE 5-4. POPPED RIVET HEADS RESULTING FROM CORROSION PRODUCTS Chap 5 Par 504 95

Page 78OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-5. SKIN BULGING AROUND FASTENERS CAUSED BY PRESSURE FROM CORROSION

PRODUCTS FIGURE 5-6. CORROSION CRACKING BETWEEN FASTENERS ON A WING SPAR Chap 5 96 Par 504

Page 79OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-7. FAYING SURFACE CORROSION ON WING SPAR CHORD WITH CORROSION

CRACKING ALSO VISIBLE ST 2 LH 1060 FIGURE 5-8. SEVERE CROWN STRINGER CORROSION Chap 5 Par 504 97

Page 80OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-9. SPAR CHORD CORROSION COeR FIGURE 5-10. REMOVAL OF FILLET SEAL FROM INTERNAL EDGE OF LAP JOINT EXPOSED

FULL EXTENT OF CORROSION Chap 5 98 Par 504

Page 81OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-11. REMOVAL OF INSULATION BLANKETS EXPOSED CORROSION FIGURE 5-12. CORROSION DEVELOPED UNDER LEVELING COMPOUND INSTALLED DURING

PREVIOUS REPAIR OF OVERWING EXIT Chap 5 Par 504 99

Page 82OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-13. CORROSION BEHIND A STRUCTURAL COMPONENT ON A WING SPAR wIL 59.24 outba SEr. 12 - 18 FIGURE 5-14. CORROSION DAMAGE AROUND FASTENER HOLES AND IN FASTENER HOLES Chap 5 100 Par 504

Page 83OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-15. SEVERELY CORRODED LAP JOINT FIGURE 5-16. LOCAL PAINT REMOVAL REQUIRED TO EXPOSE FULL EXTENT OF

CORROSION Chap 5 Par 504 101

Page 84OCROpen in PDF

FIGURE 5-17. CORRODED AREA AFTER PAINT REMOVAL FROM WING SKIN FIGURE 5-18. ALODINE 1200 TREATMENT PRIOR TO PAINTING MAY HIGHLIGHT

PRESENCE OF REMAINING CORROSION OR CRACKS Chap 5 102 Par 504

Page 85OCROpen in PDF

Other Methods. In addition to visual inspection there are several NDI methods such as: liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current, x-ray, ultrasonic, and acoustical emission which may be of value in the detection of corrosion. These methods have limitations and should be performed only by qualified and certified NDI personnel. Eddy current, x-ray, and ultrasonic inspection methods require properly calibrated (each time used) equipment and a controlling reference standard to obtain reliable results.

(1) Liquid Dye Penetrant. Inspection for large stress-corrosion or corrosion fatigue cracks on nonporous ferrous or nonferrous metals may be accomplished by the use of liquid dye penetrant processes. The dye applied to a clean metallic surface will enter small openings, such as cracks or fissures by capillary action. After the dye has had an opportunity to be absorbed by any surface discontinuities, the excess dye is removed and a developer is applied to the surface. The developer acts like a blotter and draws the dye from the cracks or fissures back to the surface of the part, giving visible indication of the location of any fault that is present on the surface. The magnitude of the fault is indicated by the quantity and rate of dye brought back to the surface by the developer.

(2) Magnetic Particle Inspection. This method may be used for the detection of cracks or flaws on or near the surface of ferromagnetic metals (metals which are attracted by magnetism). A portion of the metal is magnetized, and finely divided magnetic particles (either in liquid suspension or dry) are applied to the object. Any surface faults will create discontinuities in the magnetic field and cause the particles to congregate on or above these imperfections, thus locating them.

(3) Eddy Current Inspection. Eddy current testing (primarily lowfrequency) can be used to detect thinning due to corrosion and cracks in multilayered structures. Low frequency eddy current testing can also be used to some degree for detecting or estimating corrosion on the hidden side of aircraft skins because, when used with a reference standard, the thickness of material which has not corroded can be measured. Low frequency eddy current testing can be used for estimating corrosion in underlying structure because the eddy currents will penetrate through into the second layer of material with sufficient sensitivity for approximate results. High-frequency eddy current testing is most appropriate for detection of cracks which penetrate the surface of the structure on which the eddy current probe can be applied (including flat surfaces and holes).

(4) X-Ray Inspection. X-ray inspection has somewhat limited use for the detection of corrosion because it is difficult to obtain the sensitivity requireo to detect minor or moderate corrosion. brietly, x-ray works by passing nigh energy rays generated by an x-ray machine through the material being inspected. This exposes the special film placed on the opposite side of the material. Areas of high density are indicated on the film as underexposed areas, while areas of low density are indicated on the film as overexposed Proper interpretation of the film will indicate whether defects are present. Moderate to servere corrosion or cracks can be detected using x-ray Chap 5 Par 504 103

Page 86OCROpen in PDF

inspection. However this method, like other NDI methods, requires a qualified and certified operator to obtain reliable results.

(5) Ultrasonic Inspection. Ultrasonic testing provides a sensitive detection capability for corrosion damage when access is available to a surface with a continuous bulk of material exposed to the corrosion. Ultrasonic inspection is commonly used to detect exfoliation, stress-corrosion cracks, and general material thinning. Ultrasonic digital thickness gages are not reliable for determining moderate or severe damage prior to removing the corrosion.

Highly trained personnel should conduct the examination if any useful

(6) Acoustic Emission Testing. This method using heat-generated emissions can be used to detect corrosion and moisture in adhesive-bonded metal honeycomb structures. Acoustic emission testing can detect corrosion initiation as well as advanced corrosion.

505.-599. RESERVED.

Chap 5 104 through 110 Par 504

Page 87OCROpen in PDF

CHAPTER 6. CORROSION REMOVAL TECHNIQUES SECTION 1. SAFETY PROCEDURES.

General safety precautions, outlined in the following paragraphs, contain guidelines for handling materials with hazardous physical properties and emergency procedures for immediate treatment of personnel who have inadvertently come into contact with one of the harmful materials.

Materials having hazardous physical properties are referenced to the pertinent safety precautions and emergency safety procedures. All personnel responsible for using or handling hazardous materials should be thoroughly familiar with the information in the following paragraphs.

a. Safety precautions. When required to use or handle any of the solvents, special cleaners, paint strippers (strong alkalies and acids), etchants (corrosion removers containing acids), or surface activation material (alodine 1200), observe the following safety precautions:

Avoid prolonged breathing of solvents' or acids' vapors.

Solvents and acids should not be used in confined spaces without adequate ventilation or approved respiratory protection;

(2) Never add water to acid. Always add acid to water;

(3) Mix all chemicals per the manufacturers' instructions;

(4) Clean water for emergency use should be available in the immediate work area before starting work;

(5) Avoid prolonged or repeated contact of solvents, cleaners, etchants (acid), or conversion coating material (alodine solution) with skin.

Rubber or plastic gloves should be worn when using solvents, cleaners, paint strippers, etchants, or conversion coating materials. Goggles or plastic face shields and suitable protective clothing should be worn when cleaning, stripping, etching, or conversion coating overhead surfaces;

(6) When mixing alkalies with water or other substance, use containers which are made to withstand heat generated by this process;

(7) Wash any paint stripper, etchant, or conversion coating material immediately from body, skin, or clothing;

(8) Materials splashed in the eyes should be promptly flushed out with water, and medical aid obtained for the injured person;

(9) Do not eat or keep food in areas where it may absorb poisons.

Always wash hands before eating or smoking;

Chap 6 Par 600 111

Page 88OCROpen in PDF

(10) Verify that the area within 50 ft. of any cleaning or treating operations where low flash point (140 °F or below) materials are being used is clear and remains clear of all potential ignition sources;

(11) Suitable fire extinguishing equipment should be available to the cleaning/treating area;

(12) Where any flammable materials are being used, equipment should be effectively grounded;

(13) If materials (acid, alkali, paint remover, or conversion coatings) are spilled on equipment and/or tools, treat immediately by rinsing with clean water, if possible, and/or neutralizing acids with baking soda and alkalies with a weak (5 percent) solution of acetic acid in water;

(14) Solvents with a low flash point (below 100 °F), such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and acetone, should not be used in any confined locations;

(15) All equipment should be cleaned after work has been completed;

(16) Implement all company safety precautions;

(17) Check local environmental regulations for restrictions on the use of solvents, primers, and top coats; and

(18) Ensure disposal of waste material is per local environmental requirements.

b. Emergency safety procedures.

NOTE: PERSONNEL SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING

EMERGENCY SAFETY PROCEDURES PRIOR TO USING ANY MATERIALS WHICH ARE REFERENCED TO AN EMERGENCY SAFETY PROCEDURE PARAGRAPH.

(1) If exposed to physical contact with any of the following materials:

Methy! alcohol Xylene Methyl ethyl ketone Petroleum naphthas Methyl isobutyl ketone Chromates Toluene Dichromates Trichloroethylene Acetates Epoxy resin Cyclohexanone Methylene chloride Cellosolve Brush alodine Carbon tetrachloride Treat as follows:

(i) If splashed into eyes, do not rub.

Chap 6 112 Par 600