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wet aircraft where they may actually freeze to the surface we are trying to
protect. Do not use makeshift covers in areas with blowing grit or dust.
e. The (#5) method to prevent ice buildup on aircraft blades is to utilize
glycol-type deicing fluid by saturating a rag or cloth and wiping the blade sur-
faces with deicing fluid. This should be done late at night before ice settles on the
blades. Caution: Deicing fluid can be detrimental to aircraft wiring and avionics
equipment. Read your specific aircraft manuals to fully understand which com-
ponents and deicing fluids create problems for your systems. Note: This does not
work for snow.
f. Use of low-pressure spray deicing procedures using equipment
described in TM 1-1500-240-23-1, Chapter 10, is allowed on fixed-wing air
craft. Note: This does not work for snow.
g. Spray deicing should not be performed on (in general) rotary wing
aircraft. Those rotary wing aircraft without TM instructions shall not spray
blades. Deicing of rotary wing aircraft is limited to specific procedures for the
various systems. The list below offers a summary of the procedures addressed
in the aircraft-specific manual, or additional permissive procedures identified
below. Deicing using these procedures should be limited to operationally critical
missions, not used for routine or training exercises. Note: This does not work for
snow.
6. Aircraft-specific procedures, by systems
a. AH-1; TM 55-1520-236-23, paragraph 1-18, provides instructions for
application by hand or using a low-pressure hand pump spray atomizer applied to
blade surfaces only. Align each blade to be deiced over open ground or a catch
basin. Do not spray over aircraft fuselage. All surfaces should be wiped and no
fluid should drip off blade surfaces. Caution: Read specific manual cautions/
instructions. A wide range of damage may result from improper use.
b. AH-64A: No deicing utilizing spray methods. In extreme conditions a
clean rag or cloth saturated in deicing compound may be utilized in conjunction
with published cautions to wipe the blade surface to impede the formation of new
ice. The cloth and blade shall not drip on other surfaces. Protect avionics, elec-
trical connectors, wiring, plastic surfaces, bearings and/or grease-containing
bearings from contact with deicing compound. Use physical barriers if needed.
Rotation of the blades to minimize possible contact with these surfaces is
strongly suggested.
c. CH-47-D: Method of choice is to cover heads and use plastic or other
suitable covering for blades. Should blades remain uncovered wipe top surface
with a clean rag or cloth saturated in the (glycol) deicing fluid. Should blades
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