SAE AS6285D

This document establishes the minimum requirements for ground-based aircraft deicing/anti-icing methods and procedures to ensure the safe operation of aircraft during icing conditions on the ground. This document does not specify the requirements for particular aircraft models. The application of the procedures specified in this document are intended to effectively remove and/or prevent the accumulation of frost, snow, slush, or ice contamination which can seriously affect the aerodynamic performance and/or the controllability of an aircraft. The principal method of treatment employed is the use of fluids qualified to AMS1424 (Type I fluid) and AMS1428 (Type II, III, and IV fluids). All guidelines referred to herein are applicable only in conjunction with the applicable documents. Due to aerodynamic and other concerns, the application of deicing/anti-icing fluids shall be carried out in compliance with engine and aircraft manufacturer’s recommendations. The purpose of this document is to provide industry standards for the methods and procedures used in performing the treatments necessary for the proper deicing and anti-icing of aircraft on the ground using AMS1424 and AMS1428 qualified fluids (Types I, II, III, and IV) and non-fluid methods. AS6285 forms one part of three related SAE Aerospace Standards (AS) and should be read in conjunction with AS6286 and AS6332. Collectively, AS6285, AS6286, and AS6332 are known to the international community as the “global aircraft deicing standards.” Exposure to weather conditions on the ground conducive to ice formation can cause the accumulation of frost, snow, slush, or ice on aircraft surfaces and components. These contaminants can adversely affect aircraft performance, stability, and control, and operation of mechanical devices such as control surfaces, sensors, flaps, and landing gear. If frozen deposits are present, other than those considered in the aircraft certification process, the performance of the aircraft may be compromised. Regulations governing aircraft operations in icing conditions shall be followed. Specific rules for aircraft are set forth in the United States Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), EASA Operation Regulations (EU-OPS), Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR), and others. Paraphrased, these rules specify that no one may dispatch or take off an aircraft with frozen deposits on components of the aircraft that are critical to safe flight. A critical surface or component is one which could adversely affect the mechanical or aerodynamic function of an aircraft. In the event of differences or discrepancies in the requirements set out in this standard and any requirements set out in the domestic regulations applicable to the end user, the domestic regulation requirements shall supersede those set out in this standard. As individual icing situations or aircraft types and models may require special procedures, this document can never replace the aircraft operator’s judgement. The responsibility for the correct deicing and anti-icing procedures for aircraft always rests with the operator of the aircraft. The ultimate responsibility for the determination that the aircraft is clean and meets airworthiness requirements rests with the pilot-in-command of the aircraft. Changes in this revision (AS6285D) include: Reference to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC) deicing program guidance. Additional definitions and abbreviations of commonly used terms. Alignment of definitions, ordered alphabetically. Additonal language for fluid appearance. Alignment and clarification of postdeicing/anti-icing communication that includes the anti-icing code. Additional note to reference fluid manufacturer documentation. Removal of fluid application tables, replaced by reference only. Additional note on gravel deflectors and the requirements to be free of frozen contamination. Editorial modifications, particularly on capitalization and hyphenation of words.