Page 14 - Volume 14 Number 7

ASK THE EXPERT
Treat Your King Air Kindly
What’s your King Air to you? Is it only an inanimate object that provides transportation convenience for the owner(s)? Or is it something more, something that provides that mystical “pride of ownership” that makes you smile whenever you see it? For a lot of us – especially the owner-pilots among us – the King Air is definitely more than a mere means of transportation. It is a member of our family that brings great pleasure and enjoyment to our endeavors. Let me give you a few tips on how you can treat “her” kindly. Afterall, there’s the law of reciprocity: Treat her kindly and she’ll be more inclined to return the favor to you.
Cleanliness: A bucket of water and two terrycloth towels – one wet, one dry – work wonders in getting bugs off of the leading edges when she’s back in the
12 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
by Tom Clements
home hangar. Doing this at the end of the day, before the carcasses have a chance to harden into the paint and boots, makes the task go swiftly. Hit the prop boots and blades and spinners while you’re at it. This doesn’t negate the need for periodic “deep cleaning” but it goes a long way towards keeping the airplane neat and presentable for the next flight.
Don’t overlook the windshields. Get out the ladder,
a spray bottle and a microfiber towel and have at it. A mixture that I have used for eons – recommended in the old days by PPG itself – is a 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and purified water with a couple of drops of Joy dishwashing detergent added. It takes off bugs easily and leaves no streaks. I use my bare hand to rub in the mixture for the cleaning and then use the towel to ›
JULY 2020