Posted By Kevin M. Pearson on August 23, 2006 at 12:00:47:
In Reply to: Removal of Deicing Boots posted by Chris on August 21, 2006 at 14:33:22:
I have specifically spoken with Bill Heller and Jack Rencher, pilots with the 303rd BG about this subject. The deicer boots you mention were somewhat inneffective in ice removal. Keep in mind the boots were only on the leading edge of the wings and horizontal and vertical stabalizers and did not prevent ice from forming on the wing or ependage surfaces behind them. Too, those magnificent Wright Cyclones put out some major vibrations of their own that shook ice off. And icing was a problem until the a/c climbed into the sub-zero stratosphere. Judging from what Bill and Jack told me, they were not needed, but I would be interested in hearing what anyone else has to say about this.
Kevin