What type of fluid is used during the second step of two-step deicing/anti-icing?

In the process of two-step deicing and anti-icing, the second step involves applying an anti-icing fluid. This step is crucial because the purpose of anti-icing fluids is to establish a protective layer on the aircraft surfaces that helps prevent the accumulation of ice or snow during flight operations.

By using an anti-icing fluid in this second phase, the aircraft is better protected against the conditions that would lead to ice formation, ensuring safety and performance. The application of anti-icing fluid follows the initial deicing step, which removes any existing ice or snow, thereby allowing the anti-icing fluid to bond effectively to the aircraft’s surfaces.

While deicing fluids are used in the first step to eliminate frozen contaminants, anti-icing fluids are specifically formulated to prevent these contaminants from adhering again, making them essential for effective deicing protocols in cold weather operations. Type IV fluid, specifically, is a type of anti-icing fluid characterized by its longer lasting properties compared to other types, but it is still categorized under the broader term of anti-icing fluid.