Page 30 - April 2015 Volume19 Number 4

enough to do the job, and certain grime needs more effort. But, if you use the wrong products or techniques, disaster may ensue. And be careful with the idea of using a power washer; especially on hinges, locks, landing gear and in the wheel wells. All that grease in those Zerk fittings is there for a reason. Behind the cabin combustion heater’s exhaust, engine nacelles and the entire underside of the plane, for example, more serious chemicals, compounds and carcinogens are needed. For the interior, it’s time to remove the winter-grimed floor mats, clean the carpet and upholstery, dust and clean the instrument panel, take out the blankets and sanitize the O2 masks. Maybe even clean the honey pot and its surroundings.... maybe.Kites and KidsIt was easier to get the kids to clean the plane than it was the cars, and my kids enjoyed the trips we’vetaken in airplanes – even the ones on the airlines. They can certainly handle the controls of an airplane, but none ever developed an interest in becoming a pilot. I hadn’t thought much about why. Maybe it’s because we never flew kites – not even an ugly box kite. How did I let that happen? “The cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon....” I suppose. With springtime chores looming, kite flying may again have to wait, but “we’ll get together then...you know we’ll have a good time then.”If you’re accustomed to hiring someone to clean the airplane, I encourage you to reconsider and do the sponge bath part yourself. Take the kids along, even the grown-up ones. Check the operating manual for compatibility of products and then make a trip to your dime-store for some chemicals and compounds. Maybe you should pick up a kite and some string while you’re there. Next, get permission and snag some linens from home to use as rags; take someextra – she’ll understand. You never know when the winds w•ill change and you might want to use the extras to make a kite tail, in order to make a kite tale, even if it cuts into your pinky finger. I wish I had. T&TKevin Dingman has been flying for 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 20,000 hours. A retired Air Force Major, he flew the F-16 then performed as a USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Of- ficer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organization Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke. Contact Kevin at Dinger10d@gmail.com.LEKTRO, Inc. Quarter Page 4/C AdPreferred Airparts LLC Quarter Page4/C Ad28 • TWIN & TURBINE APRIL 2015