Deicing and anti-icing of aircraft prior to flight in hazardous precipitation including snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and other conditions conducive to aircraft surface icing has become the main method for removing and preventing the freezing of contaminants on aircraft wings, control surfaces and other critical components. In turn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has promulgated requirements that endorse a “Clean Aircraft Concept” for aircraft that operate under the various Federal Aviation Regulations. Recent advances in aircraft deicing and anti-icing methodologies, materials, equipments and procedures have fostered the need for a review and possible updating of FAA advisory and regulatory materials and other information on the subject. This paper discusses, in general, ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety relative to aircraft ground deicing and anti-icing, and related ground operations in hazardous weather conditions conducive to aircraft icing.
