Here’s a nifty video a friend sent me showing a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 getting a thorough wash before it goes in for its C-check in Houston. One of the lead mechanics provides audio commentary throughout the short video even noting, “The main purpose of the wash isn’t cosmetic. It’s to clean up components for inspectors the next night to inspect everything and get a good look.”
Enjoy!
That’s an interesting video, thanks for posting!
I’ve got a dumb question: what is a C-check and what does “C” reference?
@AAdvantage Geek: Not a dumb question, my friend. The “check” part refers to the maintenance required on an aircraft at a stated interval. The lettering is from A to D, with D being the most intensive and time consuming, taking the aircraft out of service for a period of time. A-checks I think can be done while an aircraft is in active service during a layover.
Great question and answer…wondered about the “C” myself…thnx.
I Googled it but the results were too technical for an aviation outsider. Thanks for an explanation that even a mileage junkie can understand!
Thanks for sharing, great post! I had no idea they would go through the trouble to wash a plane for an inspection. Is this something unique to Southwest, or do all of the airlines do this?
@BothofUS2: I actually don’t know the answer, but do think all airlines at some time give their birds a wash.