Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers De-icing best practices compliant with Aerospace Standard AS6285 REV.E & ICAO Document 9640

Introduction

The post-de-icing check ensures that the treated surfaces are no longer contaminated.

This check is made visually immediately following the application of de-icing/anti-icing fluids. A qualified person carries it out according to the approved air operator plan and procedures.

• • This check should include any part of the aeroplane on which a de-icing/anti-icing treatment was performed according to the requirements identified during the contamination check.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the typical terms and abbreviations compliant with ICAO Document 9640 and SAE AS6285E

Abbreviations and Terms

Active frost: Condition when frost is forming. Active frost occurs when

(1) the aircraft surface temperature is at or below the frost point, or

(2) there is water in liquid form (e.g., dew) on the aircraft surface and the surface falls to/or below 0 °C (frozen dew).

Sofema Online (SOL) considers the typical obligations of an operator related to Winter Operations De-icing & Anti-icing.

Introduction

The responsibilities of aircraft operators regarding effective de-icing and anti-icing are crucial for ensuring safety during winter operations. These responsibilities are guided by several SAE International documents and standards, notably AS6285, AS6286, and AS6332, which collectively form the Globalized Aircraft Deicing Standards.

The responsibilities of aircraft operators regarding effective de-icing and anti-icing of aircraft are crucial for ensuring saf

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers communication best practice to comply with (ARP) 6257A

Introduction

(ARP) 6257A provides standardized communication phraseology for aircraft ground deicing/anti-icing operations, ensuring clear and concise communication between flightcrew and groundcrew. This practice plays a crucial role in the safety of deicing programs and aims to address historical issues of differing communication scripts at multiple airport locations, which have led to unsafe situations. It is an essential document for ensuring safety and efficiency in these operations, helping to prevent miscommunication and its potentially dangerous consequences.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory obligations to comply with EASA regulations related to De-Icing & Anti -Icing requirements.

Reference Documents

>> EASA_SIB_2017-11_1 Global Aircraft De-icing Standards

>> EASA_SIB_2018-12_1 Post De-icing/Anti-icing Checks

>> SAE AS6285 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-Icing Processes’ and ARP6257 ‘Aircraft Ground De/Anti-Icing Communication Phraseology for Flight and Ground Crews’.

>> SAE AS6286 ‘Training and Qualification Program for Deicing/Anti-icing of Aircraft on the Ground’, complemented by subdocuments AS6286/1, AS6286/2, AS6286/3, AS6286/4, AS6286/5 and AS6286/6.

>> SAE AS6332 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-icing Quality Management’.

>> ICAO 9640 ‘Manual of Aircraft Ground

>> Official FAA winter 2023-2024 holdover time guidelines

 ICAO Abbreviations and Terms Applicable to Aircraft deicing & anti-icing

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the typical terms and abbreviations compliant with ICAO Document 9640 and SAE AS6285E

Abbreviations and Terms

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers Aircraft Deicing best practices compliant with Aerospace Standard AS6285 REV.E

Strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial for safe aircraft operations.

>> All personnel involved in deicing and anti-icing must be familiar with these procedures and exercise caution during application and post-treatment inspections.

>> Safety and efficiency in operations are the primary objectives of these practices.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers Aircraft de-icing and anti-icing critical procedures in aviation safety, particularly in regions experiencing cold weather and icy conditions.

The process of aircraft de-icing and anti-icing is a complex but essential aspect of aviation safety, especially in colder climates. The emphasis on thorough training and strict adherence to standards ensures that these procedures are carried out effectively, efficiently, and safely, thereby maintaining the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers typical emergency scenarios together with recommended mitigations.

Please do consult with your own operations procedures regarding specific requirements in the event of an emergency situation.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers typical aircraft ground De-Icing /Anti-icing procedures

Introduction

The necessary inspections and communications can be made beforehand at the gate whereas, at remote/centralised de-icing, the necessary information must be informed to the de-icing crew in another way (e.g. coordinator communication).

The determining of the need for de/anti-icing can be made by other qualified persons, not necessary the de-icing crew.

An aeroplane shall not be dispatched after a de-icing/anti-icing operation until the aeroplane has received the following visual check by a trained and qualified person.

      »  This check shall cover wings, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, and fuselage.
       »  This check shall also include any other parts of the aeroplane on which a de-icing/anti-icing treatment was performed according to the requirements identified during the contamination check.
       »  The check shall be performed from points offering sufficient visibility of all prescribed surfaces (e.g. from the de-icer itself or other equipment suitable for gaining access).

Review by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Considering the Risks Associated with Aircraft De-Icing / Anti-icing Risk

Risks Associated with De-Icing / Anti-icing Process include

» Risks to the Person

o   Accident using the Equipment

o   Health & Safety to the Person related to the Chemicals Used

SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at Aircraft De-Icing /Anti-Icing Basic Criteria

Introduction

De-icing Fluids are typically ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol-based fluids containing water, corrosion inhibitors, wetting agents, and dye.

Anti-icing Fluids are similar in composition except that they also contain polymeric thickeners. They are formulated to prevent the formation of unabsorbed frozen contamination for a longer period of time than de-icing fluids; however, the protection is still for a limited period of time. (refer to “Hold Over Time” for details related to useful time availability.)