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Deicing the aircraft using fluid, prior takeoff is mandatory; since a thin layer of ice or snow can compromise the safety. With the same idea, to use anti-icing fluid during a frozen precipitation to protect the aircraft is also essential. Commercialized anti-icing fluids all pass the process of qualification as described in the SAE documents. One of these documents specifies a set of tests that reproduce freezing precipitation to obtain endurance time and then the holdover timetables. The endurance time is determined by visual inspection: when 30% of the plate is covered with frozen contaminants. With the evolution of technology and the venue of new tools, it may simplify the process, and at least confirm the observations. This paper proposed a thermal and visual analysis of the behavior of a Type IV fluid subjected to light freezing rain. During the precipitation, the plate temperature is measured with thermocouples and recorded using a visual camera and an IR camera.

Every winter, northern airport operations are disrupted by heavy snowstorms and freezing precipitations. A simple snow accumulation or a thin layer of ice can affect aircraft operations (take-off, landing and taxi), and increase the risk for passengers and crew members, by rendering the runway slippery. Any deficits in deicing operations can also lead to flight delays and even cancellations that cost a lot to the industry. In order to maintain the runway and taxiway in a safe and useable condition, airport authorities use mechanical tools, but also chemical products. Chemical products available on the market for use in airports are principally in solid forms and liquid form, and are denominated as Runway Deicing Product (RDP).