Zurich. The entire Europe including France, Germany and Switzerland is in the grip of severe cold wave and snowfall these days. The conditions were so bad that the planes parked at Zurich Airport were covered with snow due to which they could not take off on time. The temperature here has fallen several degrees below zero, due to which thick layers of ice have accumulated on the parked planes. Amid this severe cold, planes have to undergo a mandatory technical process called ‘de-icing’ to ensure safe flight. As per safety standards, no aircraft is being allowed to take to the runway without this procedure.
According to aviation experts, the ice accumulated on the wings acts like an invisible enemy for a plane flying in the sky. Actually, the wings and control surfaces of the aircraft are designed in such a way that the air can pass over them smoothly and the aircraft can get the necessary ‘lift’. When snow or frost accumulates on them, the flow of air gets obstructed. This not only increases the weight of the aircraft, but also severely affects its aerodynamics. Flying in such conditions is like inviting great danger. Even just a few millimeters of ice on the wings can reduce an aircraft’s lift by 30 percent and increase its drag by 40 percent. This has a direct impact on the engine and the aircraft has to struggle a lot to remain in the air. Additionally, ice accumulation on aircraft sensors (such as pitot tubes) can cause pilots to receive inaccurate altitude and speed data, leading to accidents. Keeping this seriousness in mind, there is no compromise on security at Zurich Airport. Currently, dozens of teams are working round the clock at Zurich Airport. It takes 5 to 15 minutes to prepare an aircraft, depending on the thickness of the ice. Airlines have informed passengers that there may be some delays in flights due to this security procedure. Keeping the environment in mind, the airport administration has also activated a special drainage system to recycle this chemical.
Spraying is done to prevent snow accumulation
This process is carried out with utmost care on special ‘de-icing pads’ at Zurich Airport. Here big crane-like vehicles (de-icing trucks) surround the aircraft from all sides. This process is completed in two main stages. First, the aircraft is sprayed with a mixture of hot water and ‘propylene glycol’. This is called ‘Type 1’ fluid, which is usually orange in color so the operator can see which part of the aircraft has been cleaned. This hot mixture melts frozen ice instantly. Subsequently, if snowfall continues, ‘anti-icing’ procedures are adopted. It uses ‘Type 4’ fluid, which is green in color and thick like jelly. This forms a protective layer on the wings, preventing new ice from forming during take-off.
