Chapter 4 - Preventative Measures and Deicing Procedures

Hand Sprayers

22.  Extreme operational conditions often require specific solutions. Winter operations in the Canadian North pose their own problems due to the extremes in both weather and temperature. It has been noted that a number of Air Operators carry Type I fluids with them in the aircraft from station to station so that it is available. The containers in which the fluid is kept resemble the common garden insecticide sprayer. The fluid in this circumstance would appear to be kept at a room temperature.

23.  Deicing fluid is mixed with hot water to remove contamination from the aircraft. This is done from the top of the aircraft down and in a symmetrical fashion. Follow all guidance material listed in the flight manual for normal procedures. Don't forget the undercarriage and the assistance of other personnel.

Caution:

Proper fluid coverage is absolutely essential for proper fluid performance. It is imperative that the personnel applying the fluid are properly trained and that a consistent fluid application technique is utilized.

24.  Most aircraft ground icing related accidents have occurred when the aircraft was not de-iced prior to take-off. The deicing process is intended to restore the aircraft to a clean configuration so neither degradation of aerodynamic characteristics nor mechanical interference from contaminants will occur.

25.  Common practice over many years of experience is to deice and, if necessary, anti-ice an aircraft as close to the time of take-off as possible. Pilots may call ATC and request information about anticipated delays before deicing and anti-icing is commenced. Controllers can assist pilots by giving them the best available information about delays, so the pilot may arrange to have the aircraft de-iced and anti-iced as closely as possible to the actual departure time.

26.  Various techniques of aircraft ground deicing and anti-icing have been developed. The most common technique is to use FPD fluids in the ground deicing process and to anti-ice with a protective film of FPD fluid to delay formations of frost, ice or snow. See SAE ARP4737A recommended deicing and anti-icing procedures.