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.