The FAA does not define “cleaning” as a standalone activity in 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A, which is where many owners and operators first look for clarity. That absence often creates confusion, but the regulatory language still provides meaningful guidance in regards to cleaning your FAA aircraft when read carefully.
In Appendix A, certain references to cleaning appear within specific maintenance actions. These references establish that cleaning, when tied to defined aircraft components, is usually considered preventative maintenance rather than cosmetic work.
FAA references include:
- Servicing landing gear wheel bearings, such as cleaning and greasing
- Cleaning or replacing fuel strainers and oil strainers
- Tasks performed to preserve airworthiness and prevent deterioration
This distinction is critical for owners who want to remain compliant while actively protecting their aircraft from corrosion, contamination, and wear.
At the National Aviation Center, we help aircraft owners interpret FAA language accurately so routine care does not accidentally cross into unapproved maintenance activity.
How Cleaning Is Treated Under Part 43 in Practice
While cleaning is not listed as a separate category, FAA inspectors and guidance material generally evaluate cleaning activities based on what is accessed, altered, or removed during the process. You can read 14 CFR Part 43, Appendix A here.
In real-world terms, cleaning usually falls into one of two categories:
- Servicing activities that do not affect aircraft systems or structure
- Preventative maintenance tasks when specific components are involved
For FAA aircraft owners, this practical interpretation matters far more than the absence of a single word in the regulations.
When Cleaning Remains Simple Servicing
General aircraft cleaning is usually considered servicing when it does not involve disassembly, system access, or component removal.
Examples of servicing-level cleaning include:
- Washing and waxing the fuselage
- Cleaning windows and windshields
- Vacuuming interior carpets without removing seats
- Wiping down cabin surfaces using approved materials
- Exterior rinsing to remove salt, bugs, or environmental residue
These activities typically do not require a mechanic’s approval or a logbook entry, provided no panels, cowlings, or structural elements are disturbed.
This is often the type of work aircraft owners perform between inspections to preserve appearance and reduce surface contamination.
When Cleaning Becomes Preventative Maintenance
Cleaning crosses into preventative maintenance when it involves specific components or requires limited disassembly as described in Appendix A.
Common examples include:
- Removing seats to deep-clean interior flooring
- Cleaning and greasing wheel bearings
- Cleaning fuel or oil strainers
- Cleaning accessible components as part of corrosion prevention
Once you remove interior seats or access defined mechanical components, the FAA considers this preventative maintenance. Under the regulations, this work must be performed by an appropriately certificated individual or a pilot authorized to do so.
Our team regularly helps owners determine whether a planned cleaning task qualifies as preventative maintenance and how to document it properly.
The Impact of Opening Cowlings and Access Panels
One of the most misunderstood areas of aircraft cleaning involves engine cowlings and access panels.
Opening the cowling to degrease or clean the engine is no longer considered simple servicing. At that point:
- You have accessed aircraft systems
- The aircraft requires proper approval for return to service
- A logbook entry is required
Even if the task seems routine, the act of opening the cowling changes its regulatory classification. This applies to both piston and turbine aircraft and is a frequent source of unintentional noncompliance.
For FAA aircraft owners, understanding this boundary helps avoid inspection findings and unnecessary enforcement risk.
2026 Disinfection and Chemical Use Considerations
Recent FAA guidance has expanded attention on chemical exposure, especially for aircraft used in commercial operations. In 2026, disinfection practices are receiving increased scrutiny due to documented risks associated with corrosion and material degradation.
Important considerations include:
- Industrial-grade disinfectants may affect avionics wiring and connectors
- Certain chemicals can accelerate corrosion or embrittlement
- Repeated exposure increases long-term structural risk
For Part 135 charter aircraft in particular, aggressive disinfection may be viewed as maintenance rather than simple cleaning. This classification depends on the chemicals used and the systems exposed during application.
We help operators evaluate whether their cleaning and disinfection practices align with FAA expectations and operational approvals.
Pilot Privileges and Cleaning Responsibilities
Under Part 43.3(g), a certificated pilot may perform preventative maintenance on an aircraft they own or operate, as long as the aircraft is not operated under Part 121 or Part 135.
This means pilots may legally perform certain cleaning-related tasks, provided those tasks qualify as preventative maintenance.
Examples include:
- Cleaning and servicing wheel bearings
- Cleaning fuel strainers
- Removing and reinstalling seats for interior cleaning
However, this authority comes with documentation responsibilities that cannot be overlooked.
Logbook Entries Matter More Than Ever
Any time preventative maintenance is performed, including qualifying cleaning tasks, a proper logbook entry is required.
A compliant entry must include:
- A description of the work performed
- The date of completion
- The name of the individual performing the work
- Signature and certificate number
For FAA aircraft owners, these entries are essential not only for compliance but also for resale, financing, and long-term aircraft records.
At the National Aviation Center, we routinely see documentation gaps during FAA registration renewal, title research, and ownership changes that trace back to undocumented maintenance activity.
Cleaning as a Corrosion Prevention Tool
Cleaning is no longer viewed as merely cosmetic. FAA data released in early 2026 shows that untreated corrosion plays a role in a significant portion of general aviation structural failures.
This has changed how cleaning is discussed during inspections and audits.
Effective cleaning supports corrosion control by:
- Removing moisture-trapping contaminants
- Eliminating salt and chemical residue
- Allowing early detection of corrosion spots
- Supporting ongoing inspection accuracy
When cleaning is framed as the first step in a corrosion prevention and control program, it becomes a safety-focused activity rather than an aesthetic one.
This perspective aligns closely with current FAA aircraft oversight priorities.
How We Help Aircraft Owners Stay Compliant
Our service at the National Aviation Center focuses on the regulatory and documentation side of aircraft ownership. While we do not perform physical maintenance, we support owners by ensuring their records align with FAA expectations.
We assist with:
- Interpreting cleaning versus maintenance classifications
- Supporting proper ownership records for FAA aircraft
- Handling aircraft change of address filings
- Supporting transactions involving an aircraft mortgage
- Providing access to an aircraft abstract of title
Accurate documentation supports compliance during inspections and protects owners during sales, financing, and audits.
Cleaning and Long-Term Aircraft Value
Routine, documented care plays a direct role in long-term aircraft value. Buyers, lenders, and insurers review maintenance histories closely, and gaps can raise concerns even when the aircraft is otherwise well-maintained.
Clear documentation helps demonstrate:
- Responsible ownership
- Attention to corrosion prevention
- Consistent compliance with FAA expectations
This becomes especially important during ownership transfers or financing reviews.
Supporting Owners Through Regulatory Changes
As FAA guidance evolves, especially around chemical use and corrosion prevention, staying informed becomes more challenging for individual owners.
We help by:
- Monitoring regulatory interpretation trends
- Supporting accurate record updates
- Ensuring ownership and registration records remain current
Whether you operate a single aircraft or manage multiple assets, our service helps reduce administrative burden while supporting compliance.
Keeping Cleaning Simple, Safe, and Compliant
Understanding how cleaning is viewed under FAA regulations allows owners to protect their aircraft without creating unintended compliance issues. With proper awareness, cleaning remains one of the most effective tools for preserving safety, structure, and long-term value.
At the National Aviation Center, we focus on helping FAA aircraft owners navigate the regulatory side of ownership so routine care aligns with both safety priorities and FAA expectations.