A Methodology for Eliminating the Use of Ozone-Depleting Solvents in Aircraft Maintenance

The mandates of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer are having a significant impact on operations at aircraft maintenance facilities worldwide. The impending phaseout of the use of the two most prevalent cleaning solvents - CFC-113 and 1,1,1-trichloroethane - requires engineers at these facilities to identify and evaluate potential alternatives to the use of these substances in all applications. While airlines in many developed countries are well on their way to completing their elimination of ozone-depleting solvents, some of the smaller airlines, as well as those in less developed countries, may not have access to sufficient information about alternative processes.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Industry Cooperative for Ozone Layer Protection, Thai Airways International, and the Government of Thailand, have prepared a technical manual designed to aid airlines in their phaseout efforts. The manual, titled “Eliminating CFC-113 and Methyl Chloroform in Aircraft Maintenance Procedures,” provides general information on the alternatives themselves, and presents an overall strategy for identifying and evaluating alternatives.