Expert: Paul Soderman - 2/16/2011

Question
I would like to know what the are Pros and Cons of the use of a Pneumatic Deicing Boot on aircraft to combat the effects of icing.

Thanks,

Answer
Jude - I am not very familiar with deicing boots, but it seems obvious that the ability to shed ice is very important to wing performance.  Ice changes the airfoil shape, which is critical to lift/drag ratio, and ice adds weight, which is critical to the aircraft performance; i.e., lift/weight. Ice buildup could cause the loss of the aircraft. I suppose the cons are that deicing boots add complexity to aircraft systems, add weight, and could have a small affect on airfoil shape and smoothness. Boots would also conflict with leading edge slats.  In the worst case, one wing boot could work and the other not causing lack of symmetry in lift during ice buildup that would be very dangerous.  Commercial transport aircraft usually have access to deicing fluid applications by ground crews that avoid the above problems.  Aircraft using airports without those services could benefit from decing boots.
Paul