A Pilot's Guide to Ground Icing

Module IV - De-Icing Operations

How to take it off

Section: Go/No-Go Decision

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Immediately prior to departure, make sure your wings are still clean, i.e.,

  • your aircraft has not been exposed to freezing precipitation,
  • active frost conditions are not present, or you applied de/anti-icing fluid and it has not failed,
  • you did not taxi through deep slush or puddles,
  • and you were not splashed by another aircraft.

If you are unsure, taxi back or conduct an external check. ATC may allow you to conduct this check without taxiing back.

If you are good to go, and the runway conditions support a safe departure, then complete your normal takeoff procedures and depart.

Aircraft taxis toward runway
Pilot inspects wing before departure
Pilot inspects wing from cockpit before departure

If you are unsure of the condition of the aircraft's critical surfaces, taxi back for an external check