De-Icing and What to Expect This Winter Season

With the winter season quickly approaching, de-icing trucks will soon become a familiar sight at many airports. De-icing is a very important safety precaution that should not be avoided or rushed when traveling. Depending on the amount of precipitation, type of fluid used, and size of aircraft you’ll be traveling on, de-icing costs will vary.

Because de-icing is an “unforeseen” or “game time” decision made by your flight crew, it is generally not included in the cost you receive on your charter quote. When traveling in areas of the country that typically have snowfall during the winter months, however, it should be expected and considered as a likely cost. De-icing bills can be as little as a few hundred dollars, to upwards of $10,000 depending on the weather conditions and aircraft being used. Some aircraft will only require a quick spray over, while others may require more than one treatment.

De-icing fluid performance is measured by holdover time (HOT), which is the length of time an aircraft can wait after being treated prior to takeoff. Holdover time will vary based on a few factors including temperature, wind, precipitation, humidity, aircraft skin temperature, and other conditions. When Type I fluids are used, the holdover time is only about five to 15 minutes, which means the aircraft must take off immediately or else wait to be de-iced again. You may have experienced this in moderate to heavy snow conditions combined with some type of taxi way delay. Type IV fluids on the other hand, may provide a holdover time between 30 and 80 minutes, but will likely incur higher fees. All types of fluids may not be available at your departure airport.

One tip that may help alleviate the risk of your aircraft being de-iced is to ask if a hangar is available to keep the jet inside until your departure. Of course, if available, you will incur a hangar fee, however, this is generally less expensive than having to actually de-ice the aircraft. If precipitation is common at the airport you’re using, be sure to request the hangar in advance. Hangar space will likely book up quickly by others also looking to avoid de-icing fees. Also, be sure to plan your departure time accordingly if de-icing is probable as it will delay your departure.