A Pilot's Guide to Ground Icing
Module IV - De-Icing Operations
How to take it off
Section: Prevention
Start This SectionPrevention De-Icing Operations
If you anticipate ground icing conditions prior to your intended departure (See Module II: Cues), you can take steps to prevent contamination from adhering to your aircraft. Prevention is probably the cheapest and most time-efficient method.
Hangaring your aircraft will protect it from frost and precipitation. If you cannot secure hangar space, consider relocating the aircraft to a near-by airport where hangar space is available.
Beware of water already on the aircraft if it is pulled into an unheated hangar. Try to remove the water before it has the chance to freeze and become much more difficult to remove.
Prevention De-Icing Operations
Other options to protect your aircraft include wing covers or even tarps or blankets. Such covers may not completely protect against all contamination, however, so be sure to carefully inspect the wings and remove any contamination.
Some operators choose to apply a preventative layer of de/anti-icing fluid (check the "Further Information" block below).
Further Information
Some operators choose to apply a de/anti-icing fluid after landing if they cannot hangar or otherwise protect their aircraft from freezing rain, freezing drizzle or even frost. If applied to a clean surface, this fluid layer prevents frozen contaminants from firmly adhering to the surfaces, and facilitates contamination removal during the prior-to-flight de-icing spray. This practice can ultimately save time and money.
If you expect freezing rain or freezing drizzle, consider a Type II or IV fluid application. Any fluid will be effective for frost. Make sure all the residual fluid is removed from your aircraft prior to flight, especially if your aircraft is only approved for Type I. Be particularly vigilant to clean the control surface gaps prior to flight.
Related Information
Field Experience: Wing Covers
"While working for a small commuter carrier, we were removing the wing covers when another one of our aircraft arrived early. At this point, we had one wing cover off and about twenty minutes later we removed the other cover. Shortly after the aircraft was dispatched it returned with two excited pilots who explained they could only fly straight even with full rudder. We checked the controls and rigging in a warm hangar and because everything was within specified limits, we concluded that the time difference in removing the wing covers made a difference in the lift of the wings. The crew did not notice any difference between the two wings, which meant a little frost can make a big difference."
--- David McNab, Supt. Aircraft Maintenance & Mfg. Transport Canada, Calgary Office