Much has been done to improve the corrosion resistance of aircraft: improvement in materials, surface treatments, insulation, and protective finishes. All of these have been aimed at reducing maintenance effort as well as improving reliability. In spite of these improvements, corrosion and its control is a very real problem that requires continuous preventive maintenance.

Corrosion preventive maintenance includes the following specific functions:

(1) An adequate cleaning.
(2) Thorough periodic lubrication.
(3) Detailed inspection for corrosion and failure of protective systems.
(4) Prompt treatment of corrosion and touchup of damaged paint areas.
(5) Keeping drainholes free of obstruction.
(6) Daily draining of fuel cell sumps.
(7) Daily wipe down of exposed critical areas.
(8) Sealing of aircraft against water during foul weather and proper ventilation on warm, sunny days.
(9) Making maximum use of protective covers on parked aircraft.

After any period during which regular corrosion preventive maintenance is interrupted, the amount of maintenance required to repair accumulated corrosion damage and bring the aircraft back up to standard will usually be quite high.