The cold weather is upon us and so is the season for de-icing and anti-icing. Past incidents and research have demonstrated that even small amounts of contamination on an aircraft’s critical surfaces can have a very large effect on the aircraft’s performance and handling qualities. Contamination such as frost with thickness as small as 0.40 mm (1/64 in.) can disrupt air flow over the lift and control surfaces of an aircraft, potentially leading to increased drag, lift loss and impaired manoeuvrability. This is especially true during the takeoff and initial climb phases of flight. Ice can also significantly increase aircraft weight, interfere with the movement of control surfaces, and prevent the functionality of critical aircraft sensors.
The holdover times for SAE-qualified de-icing and anti-icing fluids are obtainable in the Transport Canada holdover time (HOT) guidelines by visiting the Holdover time (HOT) guidelines for de-icing and anti-icing aircraft page or requesting a copy of the winter 2022-2023 Holdover Time Guidelines at services@tc.gc.ca.