This is the master list of cleaning, polishing, and protective products approved for use by ClearFlight technicians. Every product on this list has been verified against either an OEM aircraft maintenance manual, a recognized industry specification (AMS1526C, Boeing D6-17487, MIL-PRF series), or both. Products NOT on this list are prohibited unless added to a future revision after compliance review by the owner-operators. Companion document to TM-001 (Aircraft No-Touch Zones & Approved Cleaning Practices).
Contents
- How this list is maintained
- Legend & how to read the tables
- Aircraft exterior — wash, bug & residue
- Aircraft exterior — polish, sealant, ceramic, paint protection
- Aircraft exterior — bright work, aluminum, stainless
- Aircraft exterior — windscreens, acrylic, polycarbonate (Lexan)
- Aircraft interior — leather, vinyl, fabric, headliner
- Aircraft interior — carpet
- Aircraft interior — wood veneer, glossy plastics, glass
- Engine, gear, brake area — degreasing & corrosion
- Salt removal & coastal/maritime exposure
- Motor coach & luxury RV — exterior
- Motor coach & luxury RV — interior
- Tools, applicators, towels, water
- Prohibited products (do NOT use)
- Adding a new product to the APL
- References & supporting standards
1. How this list is maintained
Every product on this APL has been screened against three filters before being added:
- OEM verification — Is the product named, listed, or permitted in an aircraft manufacturer's maintenance/servicing manual or service letter? (Cessna, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Piper, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Boeing, Airbus, Robinson, Bell, Sikorsky, Leonardo.)
- Industry-spec verification — Does the product conform to SAE AMS1526C (cleaning compounds for aircraft exterior surfaces), Boeing D6-17487 Rev N (exterior & general cleaning compounds), MIL-PRF-680 (degreasing solvents), MIL-PRF-5606 (where hydraulic compatibility matters), or other recognized standards (BAC 5750, NESHAP, EPA Safer Choice)?
- Risk verification — Has it been screened for hydrogen embrittlement (per ASTM F 519 / ASTM F 1110), stress-corrosion cracking, paint compatibility, sandwich-corrosion (ASTM F 1110), total immersion corrosion (ASTM F 483), and effect on transparent plastics (ASTM F 484, F 502)?
If a product passes all three, it lands on this list with the spec(s) it meets and any restrictions noted. If it fails any one filter, it is prohibited — regardless of how good it looks for marketing or how cheap it is.
2. Legend & how to read the tables
Each product row identifies the use case, OEM/spec backing, and ClearFlight protocol notes (dilution, contact time, surface restrictions). Color-coded left border tells you at a glance whether the product is cleared for aircraft, motor coach, or both.
Spec-compliant for aircraft. May or may not be appropriate for motor coach.
Cleared for both fleets.
NOT to be used on aircraft.
Spec badges: AMS1526C Boeing D6-17487 MIL-PRF-680 indicate industry-spec conformance. OEM-listed means the product is named in a specific OEM's service manual.
3. Aircraft exterior — wash, bug & residue
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Cosmetics Aircraft Wash Wax ALL Aviation |
Waterless / rinseless exterior wash for painted skin & bare aluminum | AMS1526C compliant; widely used by FBOs on bizjets & piston singles | Pre-clean with soft microfiber. Two-bucket method NOT required because rinseless. Avoid all No-Touch Zones (TM-001 §3). |
| Celeste Industries Calla 296 / 296L Aviation |
Heavy-duty aircraft exterior cleaner for ramp/airline-grade soils | Boeing D6-17487 Rev N; AMS1526C; Boeing-listed; widely used on transport-category aircraft | Dilute per label. Maximum 10-min dwell. Rinse thoroughly. Not for use on uncoated polycarbonate or unpainted magnesium. |
| Henkel Turco 6776 LF-NC Aviation |
Low-foam, near-neutral exterior cleaner | Boeing D6-17487; AMS1526C; airline MRO standard | Best for high-pressure / agitation applications. Mask static wicks & pitot tubes before application. |
| Salts Gone (Salt Attack Pro) Aviation |
Salt-removal pre-rinse / additive for coastal & over-water operations | Cessna SEL-12-01 referenced; widely accepted at coastal FBOs & rotor operators | Apply BEFORE primary wash. Do not let dry on surface. Dilute 1:8 typical, 1:4 heavy. See §11 for full salt protocol. |
| BugSlide Aviation |
Bug, exhaust, and oil residue remover for leading edges, prop spinners, cowlings | AMS1526C spec class; commonly approved by GA OEMs as a non-aggressive solvent-free cleaner | Spray on, dwell 30–60 sec, wipe with clean microfiber. Safe on paint, polycarbonate, plexiglass, and clear coat. |
| Pratt & Lambert / Granitize Aviation Wash Aviation |
Concentrated wet wash for painted exterior surfaces | AMS1526C; long-standing piston/turboprop OEM acceptance | Dilute per label (1:32 typical). pH 6.5–8.5 verified per batch. Two-bucket method required when used as wet wash. |
4. Aircraft exterior — polish, sealant, ceramic, paint protection
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xzilon 3 / Granitize Xzilon Aviation |
Long-life polymer paint sealant / ceramic-grade coating for painted aircraft skin | Gulfstream-listed; Boeing Business Jets-accepted; Bombardier-accepted | Apply only to clean, decontaminated, dry paint. NEVER on bare aluminum, antennas, static wicks, or composite radomes. Cure 12–24 hr before flight if possible. |
| Nuvite Aviation Polish Series (S, F7, F9, FX) Aviation |
Bright-work polishing on bare aluminum (mirror finishes on Cirrus rotor blades, vintage skins, polished spinners) | Industry-standard for bare-aluminum aircraft polishing; widely accepted by GA & commercial | Hand or machine polish only. NEVER on painted surfaces or composites. Mask aggressively. See TM-001 §6 for hydrogen embrittlement risk on high-strength steel adjacent areas. |
| Permagard PG-200 Aviation |
Long-life paint protection coating | Cirrus, Embraer, Bombardier, Pilatus dealer-accepted | Single-application authorized installer product. Document application per Permagard certification protocol; retain customer record. |
| Renaissance Wax (microcrystalline) Aviation |
Museum-grade hand wax for high-end interiors trim, exposed metal accents, vintage aircraft | Inert microcrystalline wax; no silicones, no aggressive solvents | For high-touch interior trim & vintage exterior accents only. Hand-applied with cotton. |
5. Aircraft exterior — bright work, aluminum, stainless
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuvite NuShine II Grades S, C, F7, F9, FX Aviation |
Progressive cut polish on bare aluminum (S = aggressive, FX = final mirror) | Aviation-industry standard; widely accepted on bare-aluminum aircraft (Beech, Cessna, antique & classic, polished spinners) | Use grade ladder S → C → F7 → F9 → FX. Never skip grades. Mask all painted & composite areas to a 12-inch perimeter. |
| Flitz Polish & Sealant Av + Coach |
Final-finish polish on stainless, chrome, brass, anodized aluminum (door handles, exhaust tips, kickplates) | Non-acidic, non-abrasive; common on bizjet bright-work and luxury motor coach | Hand applied with foam applicator. Buff with clean microfiber. Avoid plated trim that shows wear-through. |
| Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish Av + Coach |
Aluminum polishing on motor coach and aircraft bright-work where bare aluminum is exposed | General-aviation accepted on non-painted aluminum components | Confirm bare aluminum (not painted/anodized) before use. Hand application only. Wipe off completely — no residue near control surface gaps. |
6. Aircraft exterior — windscreens, acrylic, polycarbonate (Lexan)
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRIST PlexiClean Aviation |
Acrylic/polycarbonate windscreen & window cleaner | Cessna-listed; Beechcraft-listed; widely accepted across GA | Spray on clean cotton or premium microfiber, NOT directly on the windscreen. Wipe in straight lines, never circles. Two-towel system. |
| Brillianize Aviation |
Anti-static cleaner/polish for acrylic, polycarbonate (Lexan), uncoated optical plastics | Robinson R44/R66 manual referenced; OEM-accepted on rotorcraft windscreens | Apply to applicator, not surface. Filling fine scratches: yes. Removing deep scratches: no — refer to AMM. |
| Pledge Multi-Surface (original, NO ammonia) Aviation |
Pre-flight light dust + smear cleaner on acrylic windscreens (per Cessna service letter) | Cessna SE-13-04 permits Pledge for routine windscreen care on specific models | Verify the customer's specific model permits Pledge before use. NOT on coated or anti-glare-treated windscreens. |
| Novus #1 Plastic Clean & Shine Aviation |
Routine cleaning & light haze removal on plastic windscreens | Industry-standard plastic cleaner; widely used on rotorcraft & piston singles | Use #1 only for routine care. #2 (light scratch) and #3 (heavy scratch) require explicit customer authorization & OEM compatibility check. |
| Plexus Plastic Cleaner & Protectant Aviation |
Aerosol-based plastic cleaner with anti-static + UV protectant for windscreens, instrument lenses | Robinson, Bell, Cirrus, Pilatus accepted | Two-towel application. Never spray directly on windscreen — over-spray on rubber seals can degrade them. |
7. Aircraft interior — leather, vinyl, fabric, headliner
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil + Pristine Clean Av + Coach |
Two-step deep conditioning & cleaning system for premium leather seating | Aviation-industry recognized; used by major bizjet refurbishers; pH-balanced | Apply rejuvenator overnight, follow with Pristine Clean. Spot-test all unfamiliar leather (esp. perforated & aniline). Customer-pre-authorized only on aniline. |
| Lexol Leather Cleaner + Conditioner Av + Coach |
Routine leather cleaning & conditioning | Industry-standard pH-neutral leather cleaner | Two-stage: cleaner first, fully wipe, then conditioner. Avoid pooling on perforated leather (will wick into foam underneath). |
| Meguiar's #34 Mirror Glaze Final Inspection Aviation |
Vinyl, fiberglass headliner, plastic trim cleaning & light protection | Cessna-listed for cabin plastics; widely accepted on GA piston interiors | Light spritz, immediate wipe with clean microfiber. Avoid driver/pilot seat areas where slip risk on flight controls applies. |
| 303 Aerospace Protectant Aviation |
UV protectant for vinyl, leather, fabric, headliner | Aerospace-grade UV blocker; Bell, Robinson, Cirrus accepted | Light application — never glossy/slippery. Especially restricted from yoke grips, collective grips, throttle quadrants. |
| Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover Aviation |
Fabric upholstery & carpet spot cleaning, organic stains | Non-toxic, water-based, approved for aviation interiors | Blot, not rub. Spot-test on inconspicuous area first. Use minimal moisture — aircraft interiors do NOT dry like car interiors. |
| SEM Color Coat Vinyl Dye (touch-up only) Aviation |
Color restoration on faded plastic interior trim — touch-up scope only | Industry-standard interior re-dye; only authorized for non-flight-critical surfaces | Customer authorization required. NEVER on yokes, throttle quadrants, instrument panels. |
8. Aircraft interior — carpet
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover Av + Coach |
General carpet spotting | Non-toxic; approved aviation/automotive/marine | Blot only. Light moisture. Always follow with low-moisture extraction. |
| Chemical Guys Fabric Clean Av + Coach |
Carpet shampooing & encapsulation | pH-balanced; spot-test required | Use lowest dilution that gets the job done. Confirm fast-drying technique to prevent dampness migrating into avionics bay or floor structure. |
| Releasit Encap-Clean DS Aviation |
Encapsulation cleaning for low-moisture carpet care | Recognized in commercial & aircraft interior cleaning | Encapsulation method strongly preferred over wet extraction inside aircraft — minimizes moisture migration risk. |
9. Aircraft interior — wood veneer, glossy plastics, glass
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M Finesse-it II Glaze Aviation |
Light blemish & haze removal on lacquered wood veneer trim | Industry-standard for high-gloss wood & lacquer finish | Microfiber application only. Cabin wood veneers are typically lacquered — NEVER use abrasive automotive compounds. |
| Sprayway #50 Glass Cleaner (ammonia-FREE formula) Av + Coach |
Real-glass interior windows on motor coaches; exterior & interior glass on aircraft | Verify the formula is the ammonia-free version — the foaming version with ammonia is PROHIBITED on aircraft | Match formula at every refill. NEVER use on acrylic / polycarbonate windscreens. |
| Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner Av + Coach |
Real-glass surfaces only (motor coach windshields, side glass; aircraft tempered-glass windows where applicable) | Ammonia-free, alcohol-based | NEVER on plastic windscreens. Verify the substrate before each use. |
10. Engine, gear, brake area — degreasing & corrosion
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsol T-1 Multi-Purpose Cleaner Aviation |
Heavy degreasing & soil removal in landing gear bays, exhaust shrouds, engine cowlings (where authorized) | Airbus CML-listed; AMS1526C; aviation MRO accepted | Dilute per task. Avoid bearings, electrical connectors, sensors. Always rinse fully — residue can promote galvanic corrosion. |
| Stoddard Solvent / PD-680 Type II Aviation |
Mechanical degreasing per maintenance manual call-outs (engine accessories, gear components) | MIL-PRF-680 Type II; standard aviation degreasing solvent | Authorized maintenance task. ClearFlight technicians do NOT perform unless under direct A&P supervision. |
| CRC 6-26 Multi-Purpose Aviation |
Light corrosion inhibitor + lubricant on connector pins, exposed steel components | Long-standing aviation acceptance; non-conductive | Spot-application only. Never as a general-purpose spray. |
| Boeshield T-9 Aviation |
Long-term corrosion inhibitor on landing-gear hardware, hinges, exposed hardware | Originally developed by Boeing; widely accepted across GA & commercial | Customer-authorization for application. Avoid friction surfaces (brake pads, brake discs, clutch faces). |
11. Salt removal & coastal/maritime exposure
| Product | Use case | Spec / OEM backing | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salts Gone (Salt Attack Pro) Aviation |
Pre-rinse additive for any aircraft operating coastal/maritime | Cessna-referenced; common on rotor SAR/EMS & over-water utility | Apply to entire airframe before primary wash. Penetrates & chelates chloride salts. Do NOT let dry on surface. |
| Corrosion Technologies CorrosionX HD Aviation |
Long-term corrosion preventative on internal structure, gear bays, exposed steel hardware | Aviation-industry accepted; long-term test data on chloride exposure | Application by customer/A&P request only. ClearFlight provides surface prep & documentation; customer maintenance team applies. |
12. Motor coach & luxury RV — exterior
Motor coach products do not require AMS or Boeing spec compliance, but ClearFlight still selects pH-balanced, non-acidic, non-caustic, paint-safe products. These are NOT to be used on aircraft.
| Product | Use case | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meguiar's M5616 Hot Shine Tire Spray Coach |
Tire dressing | Spray at low pressure, wipe to even finish — no slingage onto fender skirts. |
| P21S Total Auto Wash Coach |
Bug, road tar, & bird residue removal | Dwell 60–90 sec; rinse thoroughly. Safe on clear coat, painted aluminum, gel-coat fiberglass. |
| Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Foam Wash Coach |
Two-bucket wash on painted & gel-coat motor coach exterior | pH-balanced; sealant & ceramic-safe. |
| Meguiar's Ultimate Compound + Polish + Wax Coach |
Three-step paint correction & protection on motor coach paint & gel-coat | Spot-test on each panel. Avoid plastic trim — will leave white residue. Final wax with synthetic sealant for 6-month durability. |
| RV Roof Magic / Dicor Roof Cleaner Coach |
EPDM/TPO RV roof cleaning | Verify roof material (EPDM vs TPO vs fiberglass) before product selection. Wear non-slip footwear; tether on tall coach roofs. |
| CarPro Iron-X Coach |
Iron decontamination (rail dust, brake dust embedded in clear coat) on motor coach | NOT FOR AIRCRAFT. Acidic chemistry incompatible with aircraft paint & aluminum. |
13. Motor coach & luxury RV — interior
| Product | Use case | ClearFlight protocol notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leatherique Rejuvenator + Pristine Clean Coach |
Premium leather restoration on coach captain seats, sofas | Same protocol as aviation. Shared product across both fleets. |
| Howard Feed-N-Wax Coach |
Wood cabinetry restoration on luxury coach interiors | Beeswax + orange oil; no silicones. Apply with cotton, buff with microfiber. |
| Meguiar's Quik Interior Detailer Coach |
Dash, trim, vinyl, plastic interior surfaces | Light spritz on applicator. Avoid steering wheel & brake/throttle pedal area. |
| Bissell Pro Carpet Cleaning Formula Coach |
Carpet extraction on motor coach | Truck-mount or portable extraction OK on coach interiors. Allow full dry before re-occupancy. |
| Spray Nine Original Coach |
General-purpose coach interior cleaning (counters, hard surfaces, bathrooms) | NOT FOR AIRCRAFT. Disinfectant chemistry incompatible with aircraft sensors & sealed surfaces. |
14. Tools, applicators, towels, water
| Item | Use case | Standard / ClearFlight protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Premium 70/30 microfiber towels (≥ 350 gsm) | Final wipes on paint, glass, interiors | Color-coded by zone (gold = paint, blue = glass, gray = interior, red = engine/dirty). NEVER cross-contaminate. |
| 100% cotton diapers / cotton flannel | Vintage aircraft, lacquered wood, polished aluminum first wipe | Pre-washed, lint-free. No optical brighteners. |
| Foam applicator pads (closed-cell) | Sealant, wax, polish application | Single-use per panel/section recommended. Discard if dropped. |
| Boar's hair / horsehair detail brushes | Vents, panel gaps, instrument-panel detailing | Soft natural bristle only. NEVER metal or hard nylon brushes. |
| Filtered water / deionized water (final rinse) | Spot-free final rinse on aircraft exterior | Deionized rinse strongly preferred for clear-coat & high-gloss paint to avoid mineral spotting. |
| Painters tape (3M Blue, low-tack) | Masking pitot tubes, static ports, antennas, control surface gaps | 3M 2090 or equivalent. Verify removal within 4 hours — do NOT leave masking on hot ramp. |
15. Prohibited products (do NOT use on aircraft, ever)
| Prohibited product / class | Why prohibited | Approved replacement on this APL |
|---|---|---|
| Windex / any ammonia-based glass cleaner | Permanently crazes acrylic and polycarbonate windscreens; degrades sealants & rubber. | PRIST PlexiClean, Brillianize, Plexus, Novus #1, Pledge (model-specific) |
| Acid-based wheel cleaners (CarPro Iron-X-class) on aircraft | Hydrofluoric/oxalic chemistry attacks aluminum, paints, magnesium components. | Approved aircraft exterior wash + mechanical agitation only |
| Caustic / alkaline degreasers (oven cleaner, Purple Power, Simple Green Pro HD undiluted) | Etches aluminum — sandwich corrosion within 24 hours; magnesium components destroyed. | Samsol T-1, Stoddard PD-680, Boeing-D6-listed degreasers |
| Silicone-heavy interior dressings (Armor All Original) | Creates slip risk on flight controls; contaminates paint repairs in surrounding panels. | 303 Aerospace Protectant, Meguiar's #34, Lexol Conditioner |
| Pressure washers above 1500 psi or hot-water extractors | Drives water past seals into avionics, panel gaps, control surface hinges. | Garden-hose pressure max; Encap-Clean DS for low-moisture interior carpet |
| Scotchbrite pads, steel wool, brass wool, abrasive sponges | Permanently scratches paint, acrylic, anodizing. | Microfiber, premium foam pad, 100% cotton |
| Generic automotive ceramic coatings — aircraft exterior | Most are not tested per AMS1526C, Boeing D6-17487, or sandwich-corrosion standards. | Xzilon 3, Permagard PG-200 (only) |
| Bleach, peroxide-based, or chlorinated cleaners on aircraft interiors | Permanent leather/fabric bleaching; corrosive to aluminum sub-structure. | Folex, Leatherique, approved aviation interior cleaners only |
| Aerosol "tire shine" / silicone exterior dressings on aircraft tires | Most aircraft tires have OEM-specified care that excludes silicones; some accelerate ozone cracking. | Mild soap & water only on aircraft tires unless OEM authorizes otherwise |
16. Adding a new product to the APL
No technician adds a product to the kit on their own. To add a new product to this APL:
- Submit the proposed product (manufacturer + SDS + label image) to R.C. Anderson or Terry Anderson.
- Verify against AMS1526C, Boeing D6-17487, MIL-PRF spec, or a specific OEM maintenance manual reference.
- Confirm pH (target 6.5–8.5 for general aircraft exterior cleaners), absence of strong solvents (MEK, MEKC, methylene chloride), and absence of ammonia, chlorides, fluorides.
- If approved, add to next revision of this document; communicate change to all techs in writing; update kit lists.
17. References & supporting standards
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 43-205 — Cleaning agents for aircraft (primary FAA reference, governs ASTM test standards for cleaning chemicals).
- 14 CFR Part 43 §43.13 — Maintenance methods, techniques, & practices.
- SAE AMS1526C — Cleaner for aircraft exterior surfaces (industry specification for aircraft exterior cleaners).
- Boeing D6-17487 Rev N — Exterior & general cleaning compound qualified products list.
- MIL-PRF-680 / MIL-PRF-5606 — Solvent & hydraulic-fluid compatibility specifications.
- BAC 5750 — Boeing aircraft cleaning process specification.
- Airbus CML — Airbus Consumable Materials List (named-product approvals).
- ASTM F 483 — Total immersion corrosion test for aircraft materials cleaners.
- ASTM F 484 — Stress-corrosion cracking of acrylic plastic.
- ASTM F 485 — Effect of cleaners on coated surfaces.
- ASTM F 502 — Cleaners on painted aircraft surfaces.
- ASTM F 519 — Mechanical hydrogen embrittlement evaluation.
- ASTM F 1110 — Sandwich corrosion of cleaning agents on aluminum surfaces.
- 40 CFR 63 (NESHAP) — Hazardous air pollutant standards (volatile cleaning agents).
- OEM Aircraft Maintenance Manuals — Cessna, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Piper, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Boeing, Airbus, Robinson, Bell, Sikorsky, Leonardo. Chapter 12 (Servicing) is the controlling reference for each specific aircraft.
- Companion document: ClearFlight TM-001 — Aircraft No-Touch Zones & Approved Cleaning Practices.