Chapter 32: Ice and Rain Protection
32.1 Ice Detection and Protection
- Anti-Icing vs. De-Icing:
- Anti-icing is the prevention of ice formation. It is used on critical areas like engine inlets
- and wing leading edges and is typically a continuous application of heat.
- De-icing is the removal of ice after it has begun to form. It is typically a cyclical application
- f heat or mechanical force.
- Ice Detection: Systems that provide a warning to the flight crew when icing conditions are
- detected. They can be visual, or use vibrating probes or pressure sensors.
- Protection Systems:
- Pneumatic De-Icing Boots: Rubber boots on the leading edges of wings and tail surfaces
- that are cyclically inflated with air to crack and break off accumulated ice.
- Thermal Anti-Icing (Hot Air): Hot bleed air from the engine compressor is ducted through
- the inside of the wing and tail leading edges, heating the surface to prevent ice from forming.
- This is the most common method on jet aircraft.
- Electrical Heating: Used for smaller components like pitot tubes, static ports, angle of attack
- vanes, and cockpit windows.
32.2 Rain Protection
- Windscreen Wipers: Electrically or hydraulically operated wipers, similar to those on a car.
- Rain Repellent: A chemical fluid that can be sprayed onto the windscreen. It causes the rain
- to bead up and be blown away by the airstream, improving visibility in heavy rain.