Ground De-Icing, Caravan Focus of FAA Publications

New ground de-/anti-icing policies in addition to Caravan training requirements were issued by the FAA recently, according to the National Air Transportation Association. Caravan Training The Caravan training requirements came in the guise of a safety alert for operators (SAFO) on the Cessna Caravan (CE-208...

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New ground de-/anti-icing policies in addition to Caravan training requirements were issued by the FAA recently, according to the National Air Transportation Association.

Caravan Training
The Caravan training requirements came in the guise of a safety alert for operators (SAFO) on the Cessna Caravan (CE-208 and CE-208B), outlining specific pilot training requirements for flight into icing conditions. The publication springboards off efforts by the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association and others to address safety-in-icing issues associated with the aircraft. Although the 2006-2007 icing season produced no accidents, Caravan operators heaved a sigh of relief that further problems did not increase pressure on the aircraft. It seems the program developed by RACCA, Cessna and the FAA last year to address the issue is working. Related Story
Now, RACCA has improved its program. In addition to the installation of a Low Airspeed Awareness System, FAA Airworthiness Directive 2007-10-15 requires the insertion of a revised supplement to the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH). Contained in the revised supplement is a requirement that a pilot in command complete training for flight into icing conditions within the preceding 12 calendar months before flying in those conditions. The required training is provided by Cessna.
The SAFO orders Directors of Operations, Chief Pilots, Directors of Safety, Directors of Training, Fractional Ownership Program Managers, and Training Managers to ensure their programs meet the training requirements in the applicable Supplement S1. Operators should also ensure their pilots are aware of the information contained in this SAFO. In particular, it draws attention to an Airworthiness Directive (AD) revising limitations in the Caravan’s pilot operating handbook (POH)/ airplane flight manual (AFM).
RACCA cited the Cessna training program for the improved Caravan safety. While RACCA’s icing program satisfied FAA, Canadian officials recommended in December 2006 that FAA to more to ensure safety. Related Story

De-/Anti Icing Guidance
FAA published guidance for aircraft operators focusing on ground de-/anti-icing establishing a national policy permitting the use of current FAA published fluid holdover/allowance times (HOT) as limiting value times in lieu of conducting a pre-takeoff contamination check within five minutes of takeoff when within the fluid’s HOT. However, approved alternative procedure may only be used if de-/anti-icing fluids are applied by an air carrier or contract service provider conducting ground aircraft de-/anti-icing service under a current Part 121, § 121.629 approved program.
If the applicable HOT is exceeded, a pre-takeoff contamination check is required, according to NATA, which added that it worked with the FAA on the development of the notice as part of its continuing efforts to expand the benefits and utility of anti-ice and de-icing programs for Part 135 on-demand operators.