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 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 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.
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).
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.)