Chapter 3 - Deicing/Anti-icing Fluids

Type II and Type IV Fluid Dryout

53.  Some fluid residue may remain throughout the flight. The aircraft manufacturer should have determined that this residue will have little or no effect on aircraft performance or handling qualities in aerodynamically quiet areas. However, this residue should be cleaned periodically.

54.  There have been reported incidents of restricted movement of flight controls surfaces, while in flight, which has been attributed to fluid dryout. Further testing has shown that diluted Type II and Type IV fluids can produce more of a gel residue than neat fluids.

55.  Dryout may occur with repeated use of Type II and Type IV fluids without prior application of hot water or without a heated Type I fluid mixture. The result can be that fluid will collect in aerodynamically quiet areas or crevices. The fluids do not flow out of these areas during normal take off conditions. These residues have been known to re-hydrate and expand under certain atmospheric conditions, such as during high humidity or rain. Subsequent to re-hydration, the residues may freeze, typically during flight at higher altitudes. The re-hydrated fluid gels have been found in and around gaps between stabilizers, elevators, tabs and hinge areas. The problem can be exacerbated for aircraft without powered controls. Pilots have reported that they have had to reduce their altitude until the frozen residue melted, which restored full flight control movement.

56.  A number of European Air Operators have reported this condition when they have used a diluted Type II or Type IV fluid as a first step and then a concentrated Type II or Type IV as a second step, in their de/anti-icing procedure. North American Air Operators, to date, have not reported this situation. It is suggested that the use of heated Type I fluid/water high pressure washing may alleviate the occurrence of fluid dryout. Such routine procedures may result in the requirement for more frequent lubrication of components. Special attention should be paid the aerodynamically quiet areas such as: gaps between stabilizers, elevators, tabs, and hinge areas.