Aircraft Ground Deicing, A Flight Crew Perspective

Aircraft ground deicing methods lack standardization and effectiveness. Flight crew training regarding aircraft ground de/anti-icing is virtually absent. Accident history and incident reports document the seriousness of the problem. The deicing system must assure the “clean aircraft” concept to provide safe operations. Improvements in training, fluids, procedures and facilities are needed to assure an aerodynamically clean aircraft which will perform in accordance with specifications. SAE and ISO have formed committees to develop improved standards for aircraft deicing. Recommendations for those improved standards are presented from a pilot's perspective.