Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site wnuxb.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!mgnetp!hw3b!wnuxb!djmolny
From: djmolny@wnuxb.UUCP (DJ Molny)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Frost (an ethyl glycol anecdote)
Message-ID: <289@wnuxb.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 15-Oct-84 09:49:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: wnuxb.289
Posted: Mon Oct 15 09:49:40 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 16-Oct-84 06:20:29 EDT
References: <664@ihnp4.UUCP>
Reply-To: djmolny@wnuxb.UUCP (DJ Molny)
Organization: AT&T - Something or Other (Ex-CSD), IL
Lines: 27
Summary: 


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