Which statement about anti-icing and de-icing systems in light aircraft is accurate?

• A. Anti-icing systems remove ice after it forms.
• B. De-icing systems prevent ice formation.
• C. Anti-icing prevents ice formation and de-icing removes ice; both use heated surfaces or boots if installed.
• D. Both are ineffective at typical light aircraft speeds.

Answer: (C)

Anti-icing and de-icing serve two different purposes: anti-icing keeps ice from forming, while de-icing removes ice that has already formed. In light aircraft, anti-icing typically uses heated surfaces—such as electrically heated leading edges or heated windshields—to maintain a surface temperature that prevents ice from adhering. De-icing, on the other hand, often relies on inflatable rubber boots on the wings or tail, which expand to crack and shed ice, and can also involve heating in some systems. The statement is accurate because it correctly pairs the goals with the common methods: prevent ice formation and remove ice, with those methods including heated surfaces or boots where installed. Some airplanes may use boots for de-icing but not for anti-icing, while others use heating for both or in combination. The other options misstate the roles or effectiveness, such as claiming anti-icing removes ice or that de-icing prevents formation, or suggesting these systems are ineffective at typical light aircraft speeds.