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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!cfiaime
From: cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (Jeff Williams)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Frost
Message-ID: <664@ihnp4.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 13-Oct-84 05:13:52 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihnp4.664
Posted: Sat Oct 13 05:13:52 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 14-Oct-84 06:57:56 EDT
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 39

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!cfiaime