FAA Compliant
FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1B requires that any maintenance method must not compromise the structural integrity or corrosion protection of the airframe. The FP-300 meets this requirement when parameters are optimized — because it leaves the aluminum intact and ready for nondestructive inspection and repainting.
Results have been verified by certified A&P mechanics and FAA inspectors with 20+ years of experience, and independently tested by Textron Aviation's materials lab.
“I have been an A&P mechanic and FAA inspector for over 20 years. The laser cleaning results I observed on aluminum aircraft components met or exceeded every standard I would apply to traditional methods.”
How the FP-300 Meets FAA Standards
Structural Integrity
AC 43.13-1B
Laser cleaning preserves base material thickness (< 2% loss). Cross-sectional microscopy by Textron Aviation confirms intact alclad layers. No heat-affected zones at recommended settings.
Corrosion Protection
AC 43.13-1B Ch. 6
Laser-cleaned surfaces show equal or better corrosion resistance than mechanically abraded surfaces. The process creates a thin, uniform oxide layer that protects until repainting.
NDI Compatibility
AC 43.13-1B Ch. 5
By removing paint without grinding the surface, laser cleaning exposes cracks, pits, and corrosion clearly for nondestructive inspection methods (visual, eddy current, ultrasonic).
Paint Adhesion
MIL-PRF-23377 / 85285
Laser-prepared surfaces at Ra 0.8–1.6 µm roughness hold new primer and paint more effectively than chemically stripped surfaces, reducing risk of future peeling.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation is essential for FAA compliance. Every laser cleaning job should record the following.
Why switch from chemicals and sanding?
Chemical Bans
Chemical strippers are being phased out due to environmental regulations. Laser cleaning eliminates toxic solvents, hazardous waste streams, and worker exposure risks.
Sanding Risk
Mechanical sanding and blasting risk thinning aluminum skin. The laser never contacts the surface — zero risk of material removal beyond the coating.
Better Inspections
Laser-cleaned surfaces expose cracks, pits, and corrosion more clearly than sanded or chemically stripped surfaces — better NDI results with less ambiguity.
Ready to go FAA-compliant with laser?
Get a quote for the FP-300 or ask about compliance documentation for your specific application.