Anti-icing
The application of a protective fluid or other treatment to aircraft surfaces after de-icing to delay the re-accumulation of ice or snow during cold-weather operations.
Full Definition
Anti-icing is performed after de-icing and involves applying a thicker, longer-lasting glycol-based fluid (commonly Type II, III, or IV) that forms a protective film on critical aerodynamic surfaces. The effectiveness of anti-icing fluid degrades over time and in precipitation, so the resulting 'holdover time' — the period during which the fluid remains effective — must be calculated and respected before take-off. Editors should hyphenate the term consistently and never use 'de-icing' and 'anti-icing' as interchangeable terms, as they are sequential but fundamentally different procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate: 'anti-icing'. Do not use interchangeably with 'de-icing'. Authors sometimes incorrectly use 'anti-icing' to mean the overall winter treatment process; editors should clarify.
In Context
- "A combined de-icing and anti-icing treatment was applied using Type I followed by Type IV fluid." — Winter operations report
- "The anti-icing holdover time was calculated as 35 minutes based on the prevailing temperature and precipitation type." — Pre-departure contamination check log