Which statement best describes anti-icing and de-icing, and where are these systems used in light aircraft?

• A. De-icing removes ice; anti-icing prevents ice formation; use systems such as heated surfaces or boots where installed.
• B. Anti-icing removes ice; de-icing prevents ice formation; use systems such as heated surfaces or boots where installed.
• C. De-icing and anti-icing perform the same function and are used interchangeably on light aircraft.
• D. Anti-icing and de-icing are not used on light aircraft.

Answer: (A)

De-icing removes ice that has already formed on surfaces; anti-icing prevents ice from forming in the first place. In light aircraft, de-icing is commonly done with inflatable boots on the wings and tail that crack and shed ice as they cycle, while anti-icing relies on heating (electrical or bleed air) to keep surfaces from icing. These systems are installed only where the airplane is equipped, so not every light aircraft has them. The idea that anti-icing removes ice, or that the two terms are interchangeable, isn’t accurate.