De-Icing

Before an  aircraft can take off, it has to get cleared of snow and ice to ensure safe flight characteristics.  A mixture of de-icing fluid and water is used to remove contamination. During winter precipitation a protective layer (anti-icing) is applied afterwards to prevent further adhesion of snow and ice. The de-icing is done with special equipment and  with trained and  qualified personnel at the gate  position or the designated remote  de-icing pads.


Fluid

In Frankfurt, we use two different  types of fluids that differ in their composition of glycol and water, the addition of thickeners and thus their attributes. Our de-icing fluid type I contains 80% glycol, no thickeners and is a thin liquid. It is suitable for de-icing but only offers a limited protection against refreezing. Type I always has to be mixed with water, the mixture  is produced  proportional to the outside air-temperature. Our de-icing fluid type IV contains 50% glycol and the addition of thickeners improves the adhesion to the aircraft  surfaces. That way, winter precipitation can be absorbed and liquified, that results in a better holdover time. The fluid can be applied – depending on the required protective effect – in predefined dilutions (50% or 75%) or pure. The decision which fluid is used happens situationally, depending on the  weather situation, contamination or the  location of the de-icing.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

bestellung.jpg

Step 1

The decision if an aircraft depends on the pilot. There are two possibilites for the deicing request: Either the pilot contacts us during the planned off-block-time via the datalink in the cockpit or informs  us about the de-icing requirement over the flight radio frequency 121.985 MHz.

After the inquiry we create an order in the Aircraft De-icing Center (ADC)  and inform the pilot about the estimated de-icing time. The de-icing process will be done either at the current position  of the aircraft or at one of the Remote Deicing Pads.  

At the planned time the N*ICE team  arrives  at the  cleared position with the de-icing vehicles (position de-icing) or  an airplane can  taxi to the special de-icing position located near the departure runway (remote de-icing).  

150dpi_2013_am_0106.png

Step 2

At the planned time, N*ICE is ready on the de-icing position  

For the de-icing, we deploy our vehicles with NAD-technology that meet all the requirements for a fast and sustainable de-icing and are also predestined for the usage  of large aircrafts e.g. the A380.  

Existing signs of ice will be removed  with the special de-icing fluid. Additionally, we apply a  "protective layer", which prevent refreezing of the aircraft surfaces, if requried. The de-icing procedure takes approximately 10-15min.    

Lufthansa, Rollverkehr *** Local Caption ***

Step 3

After the completion of the de-icing process, the ICEMAN transmits the "Anti-Icing Code" to the cockpit.

The aircraft is now ready to  taxi to the runway, whether it has been de-iced at the parking position or on one of our de-icing pads.  

The "Anti-Icing Code" informs the flight crew  about the required concentration and type of de-icing fluid used, as well as start time of Anti-icing.  The code confirms that the aircraft is free of snow and ice.


Pre-Deicing

For carriers with over-night-stands at Frankfurt Airport, N*ICE offers the so-called Pre-Deicing Service:

In case of weather conditions likely leading to the necessity of aircraft de-icing, N*ICE operates the de-/anti-icing before any other ground handling activities around the aircraft begin.

To request the pre-deicing service, the conclusion of a contract is required. Please contact us for further information.