The document aims to provide guidance for safe practices, effective operations and continued compliance with revelant standards and aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations.
Rationale: This study is intended to outline the general functional requirements for towable deicing vehicles used in remote/regional airports.
Exposure to weather conditions on the ground 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, 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.
As towable deicing vehicles are known to have certain risk factors under certain conditions that might affect the overall performance of the de/anti-icing applications and the safety of aircraft and personnel, caution must be exercised by all parties (flightcrew and groundcrew) involved in the de/anti-icing operations. The pilot-in-command has the ultimate responsibility for the aircraft and shall not commence take-off unless the external surfaces are clear of any deposit which might adversely affect performance and/or controllability, except as permitted in the aircraft operator manuals.
The responsibility of performing correct/proper de/anti-icing treatment on aircraft using towable deicers always rests with the operator of the vehicle.
