What procedure is often combined with the tactile check during aircraft preparation?

During aircraft preparation, the tactile check is often combined with the deicing operation. The tactile check involves physically feeling the aircraft's surfaces to detect any ice or frost accumulations that may not be visible or clearly identifiable. This is crucial because even thin layers of ice can significantly affect an aircraft's performance and safety.

By integrating the tactile check with the deicing operation, personnel can ensure a thorough assessment of the aircraft's condition before flight. The deicing operation itself is critical as it involves applying specialized fluids to remove ice or prevent its formation, ensuring that the aircraft is safe for takeoff.

While a pre-flight inspection is an important procedure that encompasses checking various systems and components of the aircraft, it does not specifically focus on the removal of frozen contaminants like the deicing operation does. Performance assessments evaluate the readiness and efficiency of the aircraft but do not involve tactile checks on surface conditions. Maintenance checks are periodic evaluations of the aircraft's functionality and do not specifically relate to the immediate preparation processes like those during deicing.