Subchapter 9.5 – Weather Deviations and Route Changes

De-icing Procedures and Phraseology:

In winter operations, aircraft may accumulate ice or frost on the ground before departure. Ice on wings, tail surfaces, and control surfaces is extremely dangerous because it changes the aerodynamic profile and can cause loss of control during takeoff. Before departure in icing conditions, you may need to request de-icing treatment.

De-icing is performed at a designated de-icing pad or at the parking stand, depending on the aerodrome. The phraseology for requesting and coordinating de-icing is straightforward:

Ground data-aircraft="OE-CMV">

De-icing Request

Munich Ground · OE-CMV

PILOT: Munich Ground, OE-CMV, at stand Echo-three, request de-icing.

ATC OE-CMV, de-icing APPROVED at current position. Report ready for taxi after de-icing.

PILOT: De-icing APPROVED at current position, will report ready, OE-CMV. [After de-icing is complete]

PILOT: Munich Ground, OE-CMV, de-icing complete, request taxi.

ATC: OE-CMV, taxi to holding point runway two-six-right via Alpha.

PILOT: Taxi to holding point runway two-six-right via Alpha, OE-CMV.

At larger aerodromes, you may be directed to a specific de-icing area:

"OE-CMV, taxi to de-icing pad via Taxiway Bravo. Report de-icing complete."

After de-icing, a holdover time applies. This is the maximum time your de-icing treatment remains effective. If you exceed the holdover time before takeoff (due to delays, sequencing, or congestion), you must request a second de-icing treatment. Inform ATC: "OE-CMV, holdover time expired, request return to de-icing pad."

De-icing delays are common at busy aerodromes during winter. Plan extra fuel and time accordingly.