SkyDrill

Chemical corrosion removers on highly stressed steel

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 22 of 31 on Cleaning and Corrosion Control. ACS element AM.I.G.R3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic wants to use a chemical corrosion remover on a highly stressed steel part. What does the handbook state about this?

  1. AIt is permitted if the part is first isolated from nonferrous metals
  2. BIt is prohibited without engineering authorization
  3. CIt is preferred because no base metal is removed by the process
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. It is prohibited without engineering authorization

  • A — incorrect Isolation from nonferrous metals is a precaution for caustic rust removal on ordinary steel parts removed from the airframe; it does not make chemical removers acceptable on highly stressed steel.
  • B — correct The use of chemical corrosion removers on highly stressed steel parts is prohibited without engineering authorization, because high-strength steel is subject to hydrogen embrittlement.
  • C — incorrect That reasoning applies to chemical cleaning during original metal finishing; for highly stressed steel the handbook requires careful mechanical removal with mild abrasives instead.

BACKGROUND

Any corrosion on a highly stressed steel part is potentially dangerous, and surface scratches or overheating can also cause sudden failure. Corrosion products are removed by careful processing with mild abrasive papers such as rouge or fine grit aluminum oxide, fine buffing compounds on cloth buffing wheels, or nonwoven abrasive pads, taking care not to overheat the steel during buffing. Protective paint finishes are reapplied immediately afterward. Chemical corrosion removers are prohibited on these parts without engineering authorization because high-strength steel parts are subject to hydrogen embrittlement.

STUDY TIP

For highly stressed steel, remember three rules: mild abrasives only, no overheating, and no chemical removers without engineering approval.

KEY POINTS

  • Highly stressed steel: remove corrosion with mild abrasives, avoid overheating
  • Reapply protective paint immediately after removal
  • Chemical removers prohibited without engineering authorization (hydrogen embrittlement)

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Removal of Corrosion from Highly Stressed Steel Parts"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON CLEANING AND CORROSION CONTROL

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.