Aircraft Polish and Avionics: Making the Connection

What are avionics? More importantly, what do avionics have to do with aircraft polish? These are both great questions, and providing the answers can help readers get to know a thing or two about the expansive and versatile benefits of aircraft metal polish.
What are Avionics?
Avionics and aircraft are two highly related categories. While aviation refers to most things concerning flight, such as aircraft and aircraft mechanics, avionics have a more specific application. Avionics refer to the machinery of an aircraft – particularly the electronics and electronics systems, used to handle specific functions like steering, landing and even intercom.
The electrical systems of an aircraft play a huge role in its use and operation. Pilots rely on the electronics of a plane to navigate, steer and control aircraft features. Electronics are also important for aircraft engines, doors and landing gear and more. In fact, the electrical systems of an aircraft offer a brilliant and exciting realm of aviation in general – perfect fodder for the insatiable interests of aircraft enthusiasts around the globe.
But what do avionics have to do with aircraft metal polish?
Avionics and Aircraft Polish
While the connection may not be immediately clear, avionics and aircraft metal polish have lots in common. A number of electrical systems in aircraft are housed in metal framing which can tarnish or come to need a sharper look. Such circumstances call for a delicate metal polish capable of gently cleaning narrow spaces. The polish also must be gentle enough to prevent damage to LCD screens or the sensitive circuit boards beneath metal and plastic framing.
For isolated areas comprised of metal used to house the avionics systems in aircraft, an aircraft metal polish will work fine. Aircraft metal polish systems that come with a non-abrasive cleaning agent work best because of the versatility entailed in use. An enthusiast could capitalize on the dual purposes of such a polish which could be used to clean and polish around the avionics of an aircraft as well as the exterior parts of the vehicle.
As for the electrical systems themselves, there are a number of cleaning products on the market specifically designed to address the avionics of an aircraft. These mostly include pre-moistened wipes designed to gently remove dust and grit from avionics panels.
For the LCD display screen found in most modern aircraft units, a simple soft cloth wet with water and alcohol can do the trick. Any other types of liquids may prove too harsh and run the risk of causing extra damage to the surrounding avionics components.
Delving Further into Avionics
The vast world of avionics extends even beyond aircraft and is a great place to start for those looking to delve further into the mechanics and electrical systems of flying aircraft. Beyond airplanes, avionics reaches into satellite systems and spacecraft, covering all the electrical gadgets and controls that make these awesome machines run to perfection.
Recent buzz has focused on the use of a new type of avionics system. These modernized versions of the traditional electromechanical avionics systems offer pilots and aircraft carriers a new and awesome way to control an airplane, satellite or spacecraft.
The new systems, called glass cockpits, incorporate a number of contemporary devices making aircraft electrical systems more digital than ever. These systems are typically associated with Large LCD displays, and they allow pilots to zero-in only on the most important information needed to steer and control every aspect of flight from the cockpit.
In addition, many glass cockpits incorporate GPS systems and use modern digitized replacements for the analog and mechanical devices in the “steam” cockpits of yesteryear. According to NASA, the glass cockpit has been developing for decades and was first introduced in the mid- 1970’s.
In fact, the engineers at the NASA Langley Research Center first introduced the glass cockpit as a formal and decisive answer to the growing number of problems such as crowded controls and decreased safety brought on by traditional systems.
The biggest benefits of the latest glass cockpit avionics systems come from the digital array of displays that enhance safety and ability, allowing pilots to govern the use of a an aircraft with spectacular results. Some contain lively 3-D images of the outside world which make it easy for pilots to judge and assess flight conditions. Many of the systems are more compact and lightweight than previous designs as well.
Today, use of the glass cockpit is becoming more and more widespread among aircraft carriers as agencies like the FAA and GAMA team up with aircraft manufacturers to continue to design and enhance avionics systems. This includes streamlining new guidelines and training publications for glass cockpits which enable pilots to better understand the new systems.
Beyond NASA, glass cockpit avionics are also incorporated by a number of heavyweights in the aircraft industry. These include the Department of Defense, which uses glass cockpits in its fighter interceptors and long range bombers. It also includes passenger planes such as the Airbus 8380 and the Boeing 787, as well as private jets and the classic Cessna 172.
Without a doubt it seems that glass cockpits are creating a paradigm shift in the avionics industry. It’s an exciting time for avionics and an exciting time for metal aircraft polish as well.
Polishing Your Avionics
Metal aircraft polish is a versatile product. Its uses are not limited to metal doors and wings on the outside of an aircraft. It can be useful on other parts of an aircraft as well, including important parts of the interior. Depending on the manufacturing and design of an aircraft, avionics systems can include metal parts which need proper polishing and a fresh new shine. If that’s your aircraft, consider these tips for applying metal aircraft polish to complete the professional look you desire.