CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS — CORROSION PREVENTION

1. Transportation of Live Animals
A. General
Corrosion problems arising from the transportation of live animals occur from two main sources. One
source is derived from animal wastes which are corrosive. Because the effects of waste products are
so well known, adequate steps are usually taken to ensure that the aircraft does not become
contaminated. The second problem source is the increase in humidity inside the cabin or baggage
area.
Problems associated with the occasional transportation of small animals in the cabin or baggage
area are negligible, but the bulk transportation of large animals would make it advisable to ensure
that adequate precautionary measures against corrosion are taken.
B. Animal Wastes
(1) It is the usual practice to dehydrate animals before transportation to minimize the amount of
waste products generated.
(2) The bulk transportation of animals necessitates the use of plastic or vinyl sheeting to contain
the waste and absorbent floor covering material such as wood shavings or sawdust. The
sheeting should curve up the walls about 6 inches or more and be taped in place.
(3) Solids are removed after every flight and replaced with clean wood shavings or other absorbant
media. After no more than two round trips, the floor covering should be completely replaced.
C. Humidity
(1) Animals generate more heat than humans. Consequently, there is a possibility of moisture
buildup in the aircraft.
(2) To permit the maximum possible circulation of air from the cabin air conditioning system, the
use of pens with open areas in the sidewalls is recommended.
(3) To reduce the effect of high ground temperatures, it is recommended that fans be used to
circulate air through the cabin while the aircraft is on the ground.
D. Preventive Maintenance
(1) The use of aircraft for bulk shipment of live animals necessitates periodic cleaning and
deodorizing of the aircraft. As this may require removal of cabin lining and insulation blankets,
it may also provide an excellent opportunity for inspection and to perform preventive
maintenance.
(2) At each available opportunity, inspect the inner skin surface and fuselage structure for signs of
corrosion. Ensure that all drains are unobstructed and that there are no entrapped liquids.
CAUTION: DISINFECTANTS MAY CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO
AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES. SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION, SODIUM
CARBONATE SOLUTION (PLAIN OR WITH 0.1% SODIUM SILICATE) AND
CHLORINATED LIME SOLUTIONS WILL ALL CORRODE ALUMINUM.
CRESYLIC AND PHENOL SOLUTIONS WILL SEVERELY ATTACK ORGANIC
FINISHES, SEALANTS AND PLASTICS (INCLUDING THE ACRYLIC WINDOWS
OF THE AIRCRAFT INTERIOR).

20-53-05
Page 101
March 31/21
 CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

(3) After the aircraft has been cleaned and deodorized and before installation of the insulation
blankets and cabin lining, treat the inner skin surface and structure with Type II water
displacing, corrosion inhibiting compounds as described in Standard Preventive Maintenance
Methods, 20-53-00, Corrosion Prevention.
(4) Dry all insulation blankets before installation.
(5) No additional preventive maintenance is proposed for occasional transportation of small
animals, except that where there is obvious contamination from animal wastes. Local cleaning
should be performed followed by treatment with Type II water displacing, corrosion inhibiting
compounds as described in Standard Preventive Maintenance Methods, 20-53-00, Corrosion
Prevention.
2. Transportation of Fish
A. General
This information is about the transportation of fish and seafood. Operators may also use the
information for transportation of meats, dairy or citrus products.
Corrosion problems arising from the transportation of fish or similar products occur as a result of
spillage from the containers. If salt water is involved, problems will be magnified.
B. Equipment
(1) Additional care should be taken when loading and stacking containers to minimize possible
spillage. Reports have been received of boxes tipping on their sides during flight with eventual
leakage of fluids and fish slime.
C. Shipping Standards
(1) Operators frequently carrying fish or similar products, should establish packaging standards so
that the containers are appropriate for the product being shipped and for the location of the
packaged product in the aircraft. In addition, the standards will provide some guidance to the
shipper as to the packaging requirements and to operating personnel regarding refusal of
improperly packaged shipments.
D. Shipping Containers
In order to minimize problems associated with spillage of fish slime and other liquids, consider using
water tight shipping containers used by some air carriers and shippers, such as:
(1) Wax Impregnated Cardboard Boxes
(a) A two piece, fully telescoping wax impregnated cardboard box is currently used with some
degree of success. It has reinforced gussets at the bottom and top. An example of such a
box is that made by Menasha Corporation (V1L860), Menasha, Wisconsin, and is
sometimes referred to as a wet lok carton.
(b) The size of the box should be limited to a maximum net weight of 100 pounds.
(c) A 4 mil polyvinyl or plastic liner of a sack type should be used to allow the fish to be
wrapped a minimum of three times.
CAUTION: IF DRY ICE IS ADDED TO THE SHIPMENT, THE OPERATOR MUST BE
NOTIFIED AS TO THE QUANTITY USED TO ASSURE ADEQUATE
OXYGEN CONCENTRATION IS MAINTAINED IN THE PASSENGER
COMPARTMENT.
(d) To keep the fish cool, dry ice should be added as required.

20-53-05
Page 102
March 31/21
 CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

(e) Nylon or plastic tape should be used to wrap the width and the length of the box.
(f) On large shipments some operators place the boxes in large open topped fiberglass
containers.
(2) Plastic Tub with Cover
(a) A plastic tub made from high density polyethylene is also used by some shippers for high
volume shipment. See Figure 101. An example is the KT-8 tub from Trayco, Inc., V5X376.
(b) The tub is designed for about 500 pounds (8 bushel) capacity and has nesting
characteristics for storing.
(c) A cover with seals is provided. The cover is indented to allow stacking. Cover tie down
provisions are also available by drilling appropriate holes in the cover.
(3) Aluminum Totes
(a) Several shippers have designed and fabricated their own aluminum containers with
covers. In some cases these containers have legs made from extruded aluminum for
stacking and handling with forklifts or pallet jacks. See Figure 101.
(b) The covers are provided with seals and can be strapped in place to minimize leakage.
(c) These containers are suitable for shipment of large quantities of fish but, deadheading the
containers to a suitable storage facility is a drawback.
E. Shipment of Live Fish
Some requirements exist for the shipment of live fish, particularly if sea / salt water is involved:
(1) A suggested way to ship / carry live fish is to place them in a sealed plastic bag with water and
oxygen. The bag is then placed in a can or cardboard box.
(2) For the transport of live fish, the aircraft floor and walls should be lined with a one piece plastic
or vinyl mat. The mat should curve up the wall about 6 inches where it is taped.
(3) Some requirements exist for the shipment of live fish, particularly if sea / salt water is involved:
F. Fish Odor
(1) To reduce the occurrence of offensive fish odors, the operator should load fish in properly
packaged containers. Proper stacking of containers and close monitoring of packaging that
appears to be marginal should be emphasized.
G. Preventive Maintenance
CAUTION: DISINFECTANTS MAY CONTAIN CHEMICALS WHICH ARE HARMFUL TO
AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES. SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION, SODIUM
CARBONATE SOLUTION (PLAIN OR WITH 0.1% SODIUM SILICATE) AND
CHLORINATED LIME SOLUTIONS WILL ALL CORRODE ALUMINUM. CRESYLIC
AND PHENOL SOLUTIONS WILL SEVERELY ATTACK ORGANIC FINISHES,
SEALANTS AND PLASTICS INCLUDING THE ACRYLIC WINDOWS OF THE
AIRCRAFT INTERIOR.
(1) The use of aircraft for carriage of live fish requires periodic cleaning and deodorizing of the
aircraft using locally available supplies. Since this may require removal of cabin lining and
insulation blankets, it also provides an excellent opportunity to perform corrosion preventive
maintenance.
(2) At each available opportunity, inspect the inner skin surface and fuselage structure for signs of
corrosion. Ensure that all drains are unobstructed and that there are no trapped liquids.

20-53-05
Page 103
March 31/21
 CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

(3) When known spills have occurred, local cleanup procedures include wiping up spills with
swabs. The affected area should be scrubbed with soap and water and wiped dry with swabs.
Use scrub water sparingly to avoid spreading the spilled fluids or soaking through the floors.
(4) Carpets soaked with spills should be removed for cleaning.
(5) Clean up spills on seat tracks as described in Step 2.G.(3).
(6) Dry all insulation blankets before installation.
(7) After the aircraft has been cleaned and deodorized and before installation of the insulation
blankets and cabin lining, treat the inner skin surface and structure with Type II water
displacing, corrosion inhibiting compound (LPS-3 preferred) as described in Standard
Preventive Maintenance Methods, 20-53-00, Corrosion Prevention.

20-53-05
Page 104
March 31/21
CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

Typical Containers for Live Fish

Figure 101

20-53-05
Page 105
March 31/21
 CORROSION PREVENTION CONTROL MANUAL

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

20-53-05
Page 106
March 31/21