What is the recommended way to clear ice from control surfaces?

The recommended way to clear ice from control surfaces is by using de-icing fluids while ensuring the aircraft is in a stable position. This method is effective because de-icing fluids are specially formulated to lower the freezing point of water, thus helping to melt ice and prevent its accumulation. This process ensures that the aircraft's systems function optimally during flight, as ice buildup can adversely affect lift and control.

Additionally, maintaining a stable position during the application of de-icing fluids is crucial. It ensures that the fluids can be evenly distributed across the surfaces that need treatment, maximizing effectiveness and reducing the risk of harmful aerodynamic characteristics.

In contrast, solely using heated air may not provide the necessary effectiveness to remove ice, particularly if the temperatures are very low or if the ice has a significant buildup. Manually scraping ice can risk damaging sensitive control surfaces or could be ineffective if the ice is particularly thick. Waiting for sunlight is uncertain and unreliable, as weather conditions may prevent sunlight from being effective or may not occur in a timely manner. Thus, the use of de-icing fluids is the safest and most effective method for clearing ice from control surfaces.