A Pilot's Guide to Ground Icing

Module V - Anti-Icing Operations

How to keep it off

Section: Go/No-Go Decision

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Go/No-Go Decision Anti-Icing Operations

If you are considering departing in precipitation, then you need to verify or consider the following

1. Are the available de/anti-icing fluids approved for your aircraft?
Check your AFM, POH or aircraft mfg before using Type II, III, or IV fluids.

2. Is the fluid diluted suitably for the temperature and precipitation conditions? If Type I fluid, is it heated to 60–80 C (140–180 F)?

3. Does the holdover time (HOT) offer an operationally feasible window for the temperature and precipitation conditions?
For example: if you plan to use a Type I fluid in moderate snow at -8C, can you start, complete and check the anti-icing application, taxi, verify the wings are clean, and depart within the 4–6 minute holdover time?

Pilot supervises spray from outside of aircraft
Winter operations in heavy snowfall

Pilot decides to go in light snow (top); Pilots delay in heavy snow (bottom)

Go/No-Go Decision Anti-Icing Operations

Caution

Do NOT depart in precipitation types and intensities where there is no HOT (e.g., heavy snow or freezing rain).*

*Some operators with an FAA FAR 121.629(c) approved program may have allowances to do otherwise.

Backing turboprop into hangar during a storm
Aircraft in freezing rain

Anti-icing fluids protect your aircraft for a limited time on the ground – never in the air.

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