What is De-Icing a Plane & Why is It Important?
When flying in winter conditions, one of the most important steps to ensure the safety and performance of an aircraft is de-icing the plane. Snow, sleet, or ice can significantly impact an aircraft’s control surfaces and interfere with aircraft flight characteristics, making it essential to remove before takeoff. However, de-icing is not a simple process. For charter flight operators (and passengers), understanding the nuances of de-icing costs and procedures is crucial for winter operations.
In this post, we break down 8 key things you need to know about de-icing planes, from the types of de-icing fluids to the impact of weather on scheduling and pricing.
Key Considerations for De-Icing Charter Flights During Winter
When Should Planes be De-Iced?
Frozen precipitation must be removed from aircraft surfaces prior to flight as contaminated control surfaces interfere with aircraft flight characteristics.
What do They Use to De-Ice Planes?
There are four types of de-icing fluids. Each type has a different chemical makeup and different types of effectiveness. Type 1 and type 4 are most common in the United States. Both are composed of propylene glycol.
Other Methods of De-Icing Aircraft
In addition to using fluids, aircraft can be de-iced by storing them in a hangar and allowing the frozen precipitation to melt. However, hangar space is not always available, especially to small freighter aircraft.
Which Airports Have De-Icing Capabilities for Charter Flights?
Not all airports have de-icing capabilities. Some lack the equipment, infrastructure, or personnel necessary to remove ice or snow from aircraft. This may lead to delays or the need to reroute the flight to an airport with the necessary equipment. Revolution X identifies airports with de-icing capabilities before quoting your door to door air charter.
Does De-Icing a Plane Cost Extra for my Charter?
A good charter company will always pass de-ice fees through at cost. Receipts are normally made available by air carriers.
How De-Icing Costs are Calculated
De-icing costs cannot be included in the air charter price. Pricing depends on the amount of fluid used, the type of fluid available, the amount and type of precipitation falling and how much ice is currently on the aircraft. There is no way to accurately assess these factors prior to booking a charter.
When is De-Icing Season?
De-Ice season usually runs from mid-October through mid-March, with occasional exceptions.
Does De-Icing Cause Delays?
Aircraft must occasionally wait for other aircraft to be de-iced, adding time to the total transit of a charter. In some instances, multiple aircraft require de-icing at once and airport resources may be limited. Since it can take up to 10 minutes to de-ice one airplane, multiple aircraft needing to be de-iced can cause significant delays.
Why Choose Revolution X for Your Air Charter Needs?
At Revolution X, we understand that winter weather and de-icing requirements can add complexity to air charter services, but we are here to help you navigate those challenges with ease. Our team of experts is committed to providing efficient, reliable, and customized air charter solutions, ensuring that your shipments reach their destination safely and on time—even during the winter months. From coordinating de-icing procedures to managing unexpected delays, we offer the expertise you need for hassle-free air freight.
Whether you’re shipping urgent cargo or coordinating a specialized charter, our 24/7 operations team is ready to assist you. Contact us today at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you within 15 minutes with a fast, tailored quote!