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Old July 5th 04, 08:39 AM
Peter Duniho
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"Richard Kaplan" wrote in message
om...
Has anyone told of a situation where TKS has not worked in a known-ice TKS
airplane? If so, then -- very seriously -- I would REALLY like to talk to
that pilot. I have never -- repeat never -- heard any concerns whatsoever
about TKS performance even among pilots who have clearly pushed TKS beyond
the point that is legal and appropriate. I have heard stories about

people
departing in freezing rain with TKS with no problems at all.


How is that relevant? My airplane has NO de-ice equipment (other than pitot
heat), I have found myself in (unreported) icing conditions a few times, and
have never crashed, never even had any serious problems. Even so, that
doesn't mean it's safe for me to fly into an area where another pilot has
already reported that ice is present. "Past results are no guarantee of
future performance".

I would do this to depart and climb on top in the winter if I have a

planned
trip with reported light to moderate rime icing and tops within my
airplane's capability.


Well, it's your prerogative as PIC to make a decision to do that. Not
something that I feel is wise though. You never know whether that other
pilot has defined the icing he experienced correctly, nor do you know
whether the conditions he found are really as bad as it might get.

That said, I suppose if you're going to intentionally fly into reported
icing, the TKS system is the one to have. My understanding is that the
fluid helps protect not just the leading edges of the airfoils, but farther
back as well, which is something the other technologies can't accomplish.
That should help address some of the unknowns of flying into icing (such as
ice accumulation being de-ice boots, for example).

Also, I readily accept that certain kinds of "icing forecast" information
need not be disqualifying for a flight, given how vaguely the weather folks
define their icing forecasts. But I'll stand by my opinion (and remember,
it's just my opinion...you have no need or reason to be insulted or feel
threatened by it) that it's foolish to fly into an area that someone else
has already said has active icing, even if one has a known-ice certified
de-ice system installed on their light piston GA airplane.

Finally, I believe in "never say never", and as a generalization, I
recognize that my opinion will not necessary fit all situations. But as a
generalization, I believe it does fit most applicable situations.

Pete