Chapter 5 - Ground Crew Supplement

Deicing and Anti-icing Procedures

49.  Most aircraft ground icing related accidents have occurred when the aircraft was not de-iced prior to take-off. The de-icing process is intended to restore the aircraft to a clean configuration so neither degradation of aerodynamic characteristics nor mechanical interference from contaminants will occur.

50.  Common practice over many years of experience is to deice and, if necessary, anti-ice an aircraft as close to the time of take-off as possible. Various techniques of aircraft ground de-icing and anti-icing have been developed. The most common technique is to use FPD fluids in the ground de-icing process and to anti-ice with a protective film of FPD fluid to delay formations of frost, ice or snow.