are you done deicing?
I'm taking about your airplane
Happy Tuesday, folks!
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You know that moment when you’re cozy in your airplane seat, dreaming of your vacation, and suddenly the pilot says:
Everyone just yells AHHHH COME ONNN
But for some reason, I get excited.
Let’s break down why this chilly ritual is so important - and the cool science behind it.
Ice + Wings = Bad News
Ice and snow on wings is a hazard.
Here’s why:
⦁ Lift gets wrecked. Ice changes how air flows over wings, reducing lift (the force that keeps planes airborne) by up to 30%.
⦁ Stall speed jumps. Pilots need extra speed to avoid stalling, which isn’t ideal during takeoff.
⦁ Ice missiles. Chunks of ice can fly off mid-flight, damaging engines or wing flaps.
The Sauce: Deicing Fluids
Airlines don’t use road salt (too corrosive!).
Instead, they rely on glycol-based cocktails - drinks for planes xD.
Here’s the mix:
⦁ Propylene glycol (less toxic) or ethylene glycol (cheaper but harsher).
⦁ Additives like thickeners, anti-corrosives, and even dye (to see where it’s sprayed).
These fluids lower water’s freezing point, making it harder for ice to stick.
The Two-Step Deicing Dance
Step 1: Melt the Ice
⦁ Type I Fluid (thin, orange/red, heated to ~150°F) blasts off existing ice. Holdover time? Short - like 20 minutes max. So crews work fast!
Step 2: Anti-Ice Armor
⦁ Type IV Fluid (thick, green, syrupy) coats the plane to prevent new ice. It’s sticky, so it clings until takeoff.
⦁ At high speeds, wind shear blows it off - no residue mid-flight.
(Fun fact: Smaller planes might use Type III fluid, which peels off easier at lower speeds.)
But Wait - What About the Planet?
Glycols aren’t perfect. They guzzle oxygen as they break down, starving fish and ecosystems. So airports:
⦁ Recycle used fluid (up to 90% is reused!).
⦁ Treat runoff to remove toxins.
⦁ Use designated deicing zones to contain spills.
Progress, but still a work in progress.
In-Flight Ice Fighters
Once airborne, planes have tricks to stay ice-free:
⦁ Bleed air systems: Hot air from engines pipes into wings, melting ice.
⦁ Heated panels: Electric coils on wings (like a heated blanket).
⦁ Rubber “boots”: Inflatable strips on small planes that pop ice off.
(Pro tip: These systems don’t work on the ground - hence the pre-takeoff deicing ritual.)
So Next Time You’re Delayed…
It’s a blend of chemistry, engineering, and environmental care - all to keep you soaring safely.
Delays stink, but hey, ice-free wings > on-time takeoff.
Stay curious, and happy (deiced) travels!
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