This paper is focused on the use of Ground Ice Detection Systems (GIDS) aimed at replacing current wing inspection practices, in compliance with the “Clean Wing Concept”.
As a reminder, current regulations and the associated wing inspection practices are recalled.
Use of GIDS to replace current practices is developed, showing how the different GIDS categories and technologies are complementary, and how they can be used for the different steps of inspection required in the operator’s de-icing program.
This paper tentatively presents the level of confidence, an operator can expect in terms of performance, detection reliability and indication from GIDS.
Finally, the European R&D program FLYSAFE will be presented, showing how it will address the effects of contaminated lifting surfaces during winter operations and how two different categories and technologies of GIDS will be evaluated in this program.