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Cleaning acrylic windshields

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 28 of 30 on Non-Metallic Structures. ACS element AM.II.B.K26 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA technician needs to clean an acrylic windshield. Which cleaning method is acceptable?

  1. APlenty of water and mild soap with a soft cloth
  2. BA dry cloth rubbed briskly over the surface
  3. CLacquer thinner applied with a clean grit-free sponge
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Plenty of water and mild soap with a soft cloth

  • A — correct The handbook directs washing transparent plastic with plenty of water and mild soap using a clean, soft, grit-free cloth, sponge, or bare hands.
  • B — incorrect Plastics should not be rubbed with a dry cloth because it causes scratches and builds an electrostatic charge that attracts dust.
  • C — incorrect Lacquer thinners are among the solvents that soften the plastic and cause crazing, regardless of what they are applied with.

BACKGROUND

Transparent plastics have many advantages over glass but lack its surface hardness, so they scratch easily during servicing. Cleaning is done with plenty of water and mild soap using a clean, soft, grit-free cloth, sponge, or bare hands. Gasoline, alcohol, benzene, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, fire extinguisher and deicing fluids, lacquer thinners, and window cleaning sprays must not be used because they soften the plastic and cause crazing. Plastics should not be rubbed with a dry cloth, which scratches the surface and builds an electrostatic charge that attracts dust. Once clean and free of heavy scratching, the surface can be finished with a good grade of commercial wax brought to a high polish with a soft cloth.

STUDY TIP

Learn the short list of forbidden solvents as a group, and remember that dry rubbing is prohibited even when no chemical is involved.

KEY POINTS

  • Wash transparent plastic with plenty of water and mild soap.
  • Solvents such as lacquer thinner cause crazing.
  • Never rub plastic with a dry cloth.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch07 "Transparent Plastics — Cleaning"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON NON-METALLIC STRUCTURES

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.