cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (Jeff Williams) (10/13/84)
Isopropyl alcohol will work for deicing an airplane, but I would
be concerned about fire hazards while using it. Several years ago
a Twin Otter in the northeast U.S. had a windshield deice line break
from the alcohol tank to the windshield. The resulting fire killed one
person, and injured 12 more. (Reference: Professional Pilot, March(?),
1983.)
For defrosting, I either use the old scraper/broom/blanket routine, or
will try to warm the airplane and drain the control surfaces. One FBO
I worked for used ethyl glycol antifreeze to deice airplanes, but it stained
the paint, and was expensive. (The airlines use ethyl glycol, as well.)
Another would spray the airplane with water, and use a squeegee to get
the water off before it refroze. (Not a really good idea, especially if
it is REALLY COLD!)
If it is your own airplane, try making or purchasing wing covers. These little
gems can make winter flying quite a bit more enjoyable. You can make them
with a good rip-stop nylon (available in any fabric store), velcro, bungee
cord (elastic cord), and grommets, all of which are easy to find items.
The problem is getting a pattern made.
The winter flying season is almost here. Each airplane type requires
different preparation, but several truths remain. Don't fly with ice,
snow, and frost on the airplane. Preheat the engines before flying if
at all possible. (Not just the jugs, but the sump as well.) Keep the
engine warm while descending by carrying some power. Make sure that the
rigging for the skis are correct and secure. Use a fur lined helmet for
the open cockpit airplanes. (The last two are mentioned because my brother
is planning on putting his Pietenpol on skis this winter.) One neglected
area is survival equipment and adaquate clothing to walk away from a downed
airplane. (As a note, make your wing covers out of orange nylon. These can
be used as signal panels if you do have problems.) ALWAYS file a flight plan
with somebody before you go up.
Winter flying is fun, but it does require a bit more planning, and a bit more
time.
Jeff Williams
ihnp4!cfiaimedjmolny@wnuxb.UUCP (DJ Molny) (10/15/84)
The recent discussion of ethyl glycol de-icing techniques reminded me of a less-than-pleasant experience I had with a major airline. (And you lucky readers get to hear about it...) Not long after the infamous Air Canada toilet fire, I was flying out of Chicago on a major airline (I don't remember which one, or where I was going at the time.) It was snowing at O'Hare, and I watched with interest as a man dressed in protective garments sprayed a white, foamy liquid on the aircraft to remove the accumulated of ice and snow. He moved out of my line of sight, still spraying goop on the plane. Several minutes later, I was dismayed to see a stream of white smoke coming from the overhead air vents. The stuff poured forth at an ever-increasing rate. It was thick and acrid, and made me think of burning insulation or plastic. I was contemplating the best way to climb onto the next seat, dislodge its occupant, rip open the emergency door, and make good my escape. Just then, the pilot got on the PA, and said in one of those professional/embarassed of voice, "Ah, heh-heh, ah, you probably noticed the smoke in the cabin. Apparently the ground crew sprayed some de-icing solution in the air intakes. Our air-conditioning system will remove it soon. Sorry for the inconvenience." Regards, DJ Molny ihnp4!wnux[ab]!djmolny
dwl@hou4b.UUCP (10/15/84)
I use a plastic spray bottle (that originally contained Fantastik) full of ispopropyl (rubbing alcohol). I can usually defrost the wings and tail of my Mooney with this bottle in about ten minutes. The bottle holds 24 fluid ounces, and it costs about $1.00 to refill it at the local drug store. I wish I knew of a way to buy isopropyl in larger than 16 ounce bottles, but the only other quantity I have found prices on is a 50-gallon drum! Dave Levenson AT&T-ISL Holmdel