Definition
A flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture distilled from petroleum or coal tar, used in aviation maintenance as a solvent and cleaning agent for removing grease, oil, and residues from aircraft parts.
Plain English
A petroleum-based cleaning fluid used in the shop to wash grease and oil off aircraft parts. It looks and smells a bit like dry-cleaning fluid or lighter fluid.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance manuals and shop procedures, especially in cleaning, surface preparation, and some fabric or coating work.
Derivation
From the Greek 'naphtha,' meaning a flammable liquid that seeped from the ground in ancient Persia. The name has carried through to today's petroleum-based solvents, which share the same flammable, oily nature.
Why Pilots Care
Naphtha is highly flammable and gives off vapors that can ignite easily. Maintenance technicians must use it in well-ventilated areas, away from sparks or open flames, and store it properly.
Grounding Statement
If a container of naphtha is left open, it gives off flammable vapor quickly even at normal shop temperatures.
Intuition Check
Do not treat naphtha as just a harmless cleaner. In aviation maintenance, it is a fast-evaporating petroleum solvent and a serious fire hazard.
Example Sentence 1
The technician used naphtha to clean the bearing before repacking it with fresh grease.
Example Sentence 2
After degreasing the landing gear with naphtha, the mechanic allowed the parts to dry completely.