What is an Aircraft Deicer and What Do They Consist Of?

When aircraft operate in areas where there is a risk of ice formation, it is important that ample protection is put in place to ensure optimal aerodynamics and safety during flight. The aircraft deicing system and aircraft anti-ice system are both crucial for such tasks, the former being primarily used before takeoff to remove already established accumulations of ice. While deicing systems can come in the form of a deicer wing component or similar equipment piece, we will focus on the solutions that are applied to aircraft prior to takeoff in particular. 

In general, an airplane deicer that is added to the body of an aircraft will consist of a glycol and water solution. The glycol is crucial as it serves to lower the freezing point of water. Based on the ambient temperature of the atmosphere, the ratio of glycol to water can be adjusted as required. Once the mixture is prepped and ready for application, it is heated to 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit before being sprayed over the aircraft. With high pressure application, any snow or ice that is present on the aircraft will be blasted away. 

When discussing chemical aircraft deicer solutions, it is important to understand that they are not the same as the chemicals that are added to the aircraft for anti-icing. When the aircraft is parked on a runway and fluids are being sprayed on the fuselage to remove ice formations, such personnel are using an aircraft deicer. That is because deicers are intended to remove any ice that is currently present so that the aircraft is ready for flight. Meanwhile, anti-icing chemicals and solutions are more preventative, often being added to the wings and other structures to ensure that ice cannot form in the first place. 

While glycol is an important part of an aircraft deicer, there are also various agents that may be used within solutions to accommodate different situations. Generally, the additives and ingredients that are implemented within deicer solutions will be based on the weather that is present. Regardless of how the mixture is made and its composition, deicers are always applied to the aircraft in the same way.

To properly deice an aircraft, it is important that such procedures are carried out with proper timing. As deicing solutions are liquids, the water present in the moisture can begin to freeze over time if haphazardly applied. Additionally, as deicers are made for removing the snow and ice accumulation that is already present on an aircraft, such solutions will most likely have to be reapplied whenever the aircraft lands again in snowy areas. As a result, the aircraft anti-ice system is extremely useful for the means of preventing further buildup. While featuring a similar glycol and water mixture as compared to deicers, anti-icing system solutions exhibit a much thicker consistency for the means of ensuring better adherence. 

While the pilot is the authority that determines whether or not deicing is needed for a given operation, the FAA has outlined recommendations regarding how such procedures should be carried out. Whether one has deicer wing components, airplane deicing solutions, or other various systems, it is also crucial that all are functional for the means of upholding safety. If you find yourself in need of various parts and components for your aircraft deicing operations, let the experts at Aviation Axis help you secure everything with unparalleled pricing. 

Aviation Axis is premier distributor of aircraft components, providing leading-global manufacturer parts with rapid lead-times and cost savings. With AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation, we go above and beyond industry standards to ensure that customers receive high quality items every single order. Furthermore, we can meet the time constraints of our customers with ease, taking advantage of our supply chain network stretching across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom to offer expedited shipping on domestic and international orders alike. If you are ready to experience the revolution of part procurement, get in contact with an Aviation Axis representative at your earliest convenience. 


Share


Recent Twitter Posts

  Semiconductor's Certifications and Memberships

Thanks for Visiting Us today!

Remember, You Can Get A Competitive Quote for Your Parts Within Fifteen Minutes Or Less, Simply by Filling Out the Instant RFQ form On the Homepage.

Request for Quote

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.