Pneumatic Deice Boots
Winter is here. Although not officially until December 21 this year, any of you who get up in the early mornings to walk your dog or get your morning newspaper, know that it is becoming bone chilling cold in the mornings.
In the world of airplanes and aircraft maintenance, winter means a switch from air conditioning to heating, and also making sure the electric and pneumatic deice boots on your Beechcraft King Airs and Cessna Citations are in proper working order.
In addition to being able to inspect and properly repair your aircraft’s pneumatic deice boots, Advancetech Aircraft Maintenance, Inc. is a dealer and certified installation facility for the Ice Shield Deicing Systems aircraft deice boots. We have had a great relationship with Ice Shield and can attest to the quality of their products and longevity on your aircraft…not to mention a per boot rebate from Ice Shield up to $300 !!!
I’ve attached a guide for replacement of your deice boots which I copied from the Ice Shield website. If, when looking at the deice boots on your aircraft, you observe any of these issues, give me a call and I will be happy to talk about them with you and provide you with an expert opinion and a free quote.
Condition | Replacement Criteria | Recommended Action | |
1. |
Foreign Object Damage (FOD) | Any damage beyond allowable repair limits per manual 97-33-047 | Replace Deicer |
2. |
Surface Erosion | Exposed stitch line threads or excessive leakage | Replace Deicer |
3. |
Cut, tear or rupture | Cut, tear or rupture exceeding 3/4″ in length | Temporary Repair Manual 97-33-047- Replace Deicer |
4. |
Cut, tear or rupture within 1/8″ of a stitch line | Cut, tear or rupture within 1/8″ of a stitch line | Temporary Repair Manual 97-33-047- Replace Deicer |
5. |
Cut, tear or rupture that extends into the fabric stitch line | Cut, tear or rupture that extends into the fabric stitch line | Temporary Repair Manual 97-33-047- Replace Deicer |
6. |
De-bonding/swelling due to leaky integral fuel tank (Wet Wing) | Area De-bonded or the surface swollen tubes unable to pull vacuum to flat condition | Replace Deicer |
7. |
Excessive Repairs | Repairs exceeding repair limits as prescribed per maintenance manual 97-33-047 | Replace Deicer |
8. |
Pinholes in boot at leading edge | Multiple pinholes on leading edge surface | Replace Deicer — Ensure replacement deicer has an electrical path from conductive surface of the deicer to the aircraft wing |
9. |
Bulge or stitch line failure | Any Bulge located in inflatable area of deicer | Replace Deicer |
10. |
Improper Maintenance (Use of unauthorized additives, adhesives, waxes or polishes) | Multiple surface cracks/splits | Replace Deicer — Perform proper maintenance per manual 97-33-047 |
Bruce…