De-icing procedure on Private Jets

Private Jets, De-icing

Just like a car in winter during extreme cold weather conditions, a Private Jet will be covered in ice and snow when parked outside. It is then legally required to carry-out de-icing procedures before take-off.

Cielo Aviation reviews for you why de-icing is vital for a safe flight and provides some tips to reduce or even avoid de-icing fees.

Why and How does a Private Jet get de-iced?

The wings and rear tail components of an aircraft are engineered with a very specific shape in order to provide lift and control. When ice and snow are covering the wings, it changes the air dynamics and reduces the lift performance. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to remove all ice and snow before take-off.
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De-icing fluid and procedures
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In order to remove ice and snow from the airframe, a special liquid (a mixture of propylene glycol and water) is sprayed under pressure onto the private jet by a specifically designed vehicle called de-icing rig or de-icer.
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It is recommended for passengers to be on-board and remain seated while the de-icing fluid is sprayed onto the aircraft to allow a quick take off as soon as the procedure is completed.

How much does it cost to deice a Private Jet?

De-icing of a private jet can be expensive and depends mainly on: 
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-       the size of the aircraft, 
-	the amount of snow and ice on the aircraft, 
-	the time of de-icing (defining the quantity of liquid to be used) and 
-	the airport’s cost of the de-icing fluid. Each airport determines the rate per litre of liquid based on its sole supplier. 
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Average de-icing costs range from €900 for Very Light Jets to €1500 for Medium-sized Private Jets up to €2500 for Long range Private Jets. These prices may vary depending on the thickness of the icing and the aircraft.
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Liability for Private Jet de-icing procedures

As it cannot be predicted if and how much de-icing fluid is required prior to a flight, for an on-demand private jet charter the client is liable for the cost of any ground de-icing carried-out, which are charged after the flight.
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Cielo Aviation only invoices the exact cost of de-icing and can provide the handling invoice if required. Some aircraft operators offer special insurances for ‘Very Light Jets’, please contact us for further information:
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How can I protect myself from the costs of defrosting?

Private Jet de-icing can be avoided by placing the aircraft in a hangar or covered parking lot. However, in some airports, the prices of a hangar may be higher than the prices of de-icing. Also, hangers are subject to availability and it is likely that your private jet will have to remain outside despite the difficult weather conditions while waiting for take-off. 
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An aircraft may also be parked outside overnight but be de-iced in a heated hangar before take-off. In general, one hour is sufficient to melt the ice from the wings of the aircraft. This alternative is the most economical solution.
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Recommendations to avoid or reduce de-icing fees for Private Jets

At Cielo Aviation, our experts will make sure to review your flight details the night before your journey:
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Cielo Aviation will inform you about weather conditions the night before your flight and suggest flight options accordingly.
Renting a hangar for the night before your departure could be a good investment to avoid de-icing fees, depending on the hangar rental cost and availability (upon request).
Using a heated hangar just before your flight can help reduce de-icing costs or even avoid them.
To reduce your de-icing liquid intake, you could encourage your crew to clear the aircraft’s wings with a brush before de-icing if you chartered a light private jet. For safety reasons, the wings of a large jet should not be cleared of snow.
Cielo Aviation will inform the operator of your exact arrival time at the terminal to make sure the de-icing procedure starts on time, thus avoiding the de-icing fluid to be applied twice.
We will ask the operator to make sure the client is on board before the de-icing procedure to reduce the time between de-icing and takeoff.
Never oppose defrosting. If your captain makes this decision, it is for safety reasons.
Place your appointments in the early afternoon when possible, defrosting takes place especially during very early morning departures before 10am. A few rays of sunlight are enough to make the snow and ice disappear on the fuselage of a private jet.