What is 'holdover time' in the context of de-icing?

Holdover time refers specifically to the duration during which de-icing fluids effectively prevent ice, snow, or frost from redistributing on the aircraft's surfaces after the de-icing process has been applied. This is a critical consideration for maintaining safety during flights in cold weather conditions, as any ice accumulation could negatively impact the aircraft's performance and safety.

Understanding holdover time is crucial for flight crews and maintenance teams as it informs them of how long they have before reapplication of de-icing fluid is necessary. Accurate assessments of holdover times help ensure that the aircraft can safely depart without the risk of ice formation.

The other options pertain to different operational aspects of aviation but do not accurately describe holdover time within the de-icing context. For instance, the time an aircraft can remain on the ground is influenced by various factors unrelated to de-icing fluid effectiveness, while the duration of flight before landing and maintenance checks focus on other operational parameters. Thus, option B correctly highlights the unique and critical function of holdover time in the context of keeping aircraft safe from ice accumulation after de-icing procedures.