The purpose of this document is to provide industry standards for the methods and procedures used in performing the treatments necessary for the proper deicing and anti-icing of aircraft on the ground using AMS1424 and AMS1428 qualified fluids (Type I, II, III, and IV) and non-fluid methods.
Exposure to weather conditions on the ground that are conducive to ice formation can cause the accumulation of frost, snow, slush, or ice on aircraft surfaces and components. These contaminants can adversely affect aircraft performance, stability and control, and operation of mechanical devices such as control surfaces, sensors, flaps, and landing gear. If frozen deposits are present, other than those considered in the aircraft certification process, the performance of the aircraft may be compromised.
Regulations governing aircraft operations in icing conditions shall be followed. Specific rules for aircraft are set forth in the United States Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), EASA EU-OPS, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), and others. Paraphrased, these rules specify that no one may dispatch or take off an aircraft with frozen deposits on components of the aircraft that are critical to safe flight. A critical surface or component is one which could adversely affect the mechanical or aerodynamic function of an aircraft.
As individual icing situations or aircraft types and models may require special procedures, this document can never replace the aircraft operator’s judgement. The responsibility for the correct deicing and anti-icing procedures for aircraft always rests with the operator of the aircraft.
The ultimate responsibility for the determination that the aircraft is clean and meets airworthiness requirements rests with the pilot in command of the aircraft.