What safety precaution must be taken before cleaning and stripping old finishes on aircraft?

• A. Ensure the aircraft is properly grounded
• B. Disconnect battery only
• C. Remove all covers
• D. Drain fuel

Answer: (A)

Ground the aircraft. When cleaning and stripping finishes, solvents with low flash points can produce flammable vapors, and friction or movement can generate static electricity. If static charges build up and a spark occurs, it can ignite solvent vapors. Providing a proper earth ground gives static charges a path to dissipate safely, reducing the risk of ignition. Disconnecting the battery helps electrical safety, but grounding specifically addresses static discharge and ignition risk from vapors during this work. Removing covers or draining fuel aren’t the primary safety measures for this task.