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Experts explain when deicing a plane necessary

Posted at 5:26 PM, Jan 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-12 17:26:59-05

Deicing an airplane is a science few know better than Angel Valle. “For the process to work, you need the chemical reaction of the water,” Valle explained.

Valle's in charge of deicing aircrafts for Prior Aviation. “It gets tough out there sometimes but we train the guys the right way.” With the right chemicals. Prior Aviation deices private and commercial planes using a glycol-water mix heated to 180 degrees. “It enables us to deice the aircraft: remove any ice, frost anything that would adhere the aircraft from taking off.”

Crews and equipment were on standby for most of Friday. Deicing trucks fueled and ready to go in case deicing was needed. Valle said it's entirely weather dependent. Rain isn't concerning. It's when the temperature drops below 40 degrees and closer to the 32-degree freezing mark when Valle said deicing is no longer an option. It's a necessity. “It's very important. For one, people’s lives are at stake.”

It's a major responsibility and one Valle said he doesn't take likely.