Chapter 4 - Preventative Measures and Deicing Procedures

Portable Forced Air Heaters

19.  Heat from a portable forced air heater can effectively remove frost and ice from critical surfaces. These heaters are commonly found in remote and Northern Canadian locations and are normally used to heat aircraft interiors and to pre-heat aircraft engines.

20.  The operator directs the airflow from a flexible duct onto the contaminated surface and the combined effect of the heated air and low velocity airflow melts and evaporates contaminants.

21.  This technique has the effect of briefly warming the wing surface and can cause snow or other contaminants to stick to the surface when precipitation is present. The operator must keep moving the duct to avoid overheating any spot as these heaters generate enough heat to cause damage to de-ice boots and other equipment if directed at a single spot for too long. Any water tends to refreeze quickly as no FPD fluids are used.