Winter Flying Safety – Deicing Aircraft
During the winter months, those of us who live in cold climates take certain precautions to make sure our vehicles are safe for driving. We warm the engine by starting it several minutes before leaving and scrape snow and ice from the windshield, so our vision is not impaired.
When flying an airplane, there are similar preventative activities that must be done prior to take off to ensure a safe flight. Reviewing the forecasted weather of the flight path is one. Proper aircraft preparation, including deicing of the plane’s exterior, is another.
Why Deice?
Simply put, ice on an airplane is an enormous safety hazard. Even the slightest layer of frost or ice on the fuselage (body) and/or wings can drastically affect a plane’s ability to take off. It can disrupt the airflow around the wing and reduce the lift. It can also increase the drag, a term referring to the aerodynamic force opposing the aircraft’s forward motion through air. Both of these conditions can adversely affect a plane’s flying ability. Thus, deicing aircraft is a top safety consideration.
Winter weather can create additional hurdles when preparing an aircraft for flight. With safety being the top priority at all times, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deicing guidelines in place to regulate the procedures and use of proper fluids when deicing aircraft.
Types of Deicing Fluid
There are four main types of deicing/anti-icing fluid. Each has a different viscosity making them best suited for specific aircraft based on size. Typically, they are dyed different colors for easier identification.
Type I Fluid
This is the thinnest mixture of propylene glycol and water and is orange in color. It is sprayed on hot (130-180 ◦F) at a high pressure to remove any presence of snow, ice, or frost. Type I fluid provides short-term protection as it flows off the aircraft surfaces quickly once applied.
Type II Fluid
Known for having a jelly-like consistency, Type II fluid has a thickening agent added. This allows the fluid to remain on the aircraft longer to absorb and melt the ice or snow. It is clear/straw in color and is also sprayed on at a hot temperature. Type II fluid typically leaves a film after application that remains on the aircraft until it reaches a speed of at least 100 knots. Due to the high speed required to break down the viscosity of this type of fluid, it is used only for larger aircraft.
Type III Fluid
Type III fluid is intended for slower aircraft. It has a concentration mix somewhere between those found in Type I and Type II. Type III fluid includes a thickening agent like Type II but requires a lower application pressure. It is a yellow-green color and sprayed on hot.
Type IV Fluid
Considered an anti-icing fluid, Type IV is used as an icing preventative. It has a higher glycol concentration since it is not diluted with water and is sprayed on at ambient temperature, rather than heated. Type IV fluid is dyed emerald green for easy identification.
Type IV fluid is used to impede future build-up and accumulation of ice or snow while on the ground. As the plane accelerates for take-off, the fluid will run off naturally, leaving a clean surface for proper flight.
Winter Flying Through KTOL
Before going wheels up, it’s essential that your aircraft is properly prepped for cold weather flying. This includes detailing the exterior of the plane, changing the oil, checking the batteries as well as the exhaust system, and packing a winter survival kit, just in case.
If your winter travels bring you through Toledo, Ohio, Grand Aire is here for you. Located at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (KTOL), Grand Aire is proud to operate the only 24/7/365 full-service FBO on the field. We are equipped with both Type I Deicing Fluid and Type IV Anti-Icing Fluid, and our deicing trucks can reach heights up to 50 feet.
Let us put our experience to work for you. Give us a call at 1-800-70-GRAND or email our team directly at fbo-lineservice@grandaire.com.