In the realm of Part 135 air carriers, navigating ground icing conditions demands strategic decisions for operational safety and compliance. This exploration delves into the intricacies of utilizing de-ice fluids, shedding light on alternative approaches. We emphasize a comprehensive strategy to guide air carriers through nuanced complexities for efficient winter operations.
To start, let’s talk about OpSpecs. Your air carrier will need one of two authorizations to operate in ground icing conditions. The first option is A023, mainly reserved for Part 121 airlines and uses 14 CFR 121.629 as its foundation. This authorization is complex and requires training and management of ground personnel, inspections, fluid testing, and auditing. Because of the wide breadth of detail, the average Charter Air Carrier can’t pull this off in all the airports it services.
Instead, Part 135 air carriers are encouraged to add A041 to their OpSpecs. You’ll need to be very deliberate in requesting this authorization, as it can be written in several ways. First, you may receive approval to operate in ground icing conditions, including de-icing fluids, but without using Hold Over Tables (HOT) and a mandatory Pre-Takeoff Contamination Check. Air carriers often receive this authorization without realizing the severe limitations the lack of HOT imposes, especially with the small detail added to the latest update to A041 – see image below.
Although this allows you to spray the airplane with Type I and IV, the lack of the HOT requires you to do a Pre-Takeoff Contamination Check, using a tactile (touch) test, then take off, all within 5 minutes. This process is virtually impossible to pull off on even the calmest days out of TEB, ASE, JAC, or the like. Don’t confuse PTCC with a Pre-Takeoff Check, which can be done from inside the cockpit using a representative surface so long as you’re within HOT time. Many aircraft with swept-back SLAT-equipped wings allow the Pre-Takeoff Contamination Check to be done inside the cabin. However, manufacturers have updated their AFMs and done away with that privilege.
So now what? You can use Type I and IV but must do a Pre-Takeoff Contamination Check from outside the airplane – with an engine off- and takeoff within 5 minutes. Well, there’s a better way to do this. A041 can be approved to allow the use of Hold Over Tables so long as the de-ice services are being done by a service provider approved by an operator incorporating 14 CFR 121.629(c). To comply, you’ll need to audit the De-Ice Service Provider at each airport you intend on going to. The FAA recommends conducting this audit at the beginning of every winter season.
This authorization approval is pretty exhaustive when it comes to personnel training. The OpSpec requires the contract de-ice ground personnel to be trained on your specific aircraft and company procedures. As a substitute for that, the OpSpec also allows trained pilots to supervise the application of the fluid while providing a pictorial diagram of the aircraft-specific de-ice/anti-ice procedure to the ice crew.
To comply with A041 authorization, your pilots must thoroughly understand the process, limitations, and duties. Lucky for you, we offer a complete and comprehensive Pilot Training course, updated every new winter season. Contact us to get started.
