Patent ID: 6038781
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B64F

Abstract:
A method for removing deicing materials from an aircraft (10) having wings (12 and 14) and a horizontal stabilizer (16) using a plurality of flexible and inflatable bags each having a generally rectangular cross section defined by front and rear panels and opposite sides extending between a first end for receiving air and a second end having a nozzle extending between the sides of the bag for emitting air in an emitting plane, said method comprising the steps of:disposing a first starboard bag (43) vertically on the starboard side of the aircraft (10) with the nozzle thereof extending horizontally,disposing a first port bag (46) vertically on the port side of the aircraft (10) with the nozzle thereof extending horizontally,supplying air under pressure to the first end of the starboard bag (43) to inflate the starboard bag (43) to a stiff position with the nozzle thereof engaging the starboard wing (12) of the aircraft (10), andsupplying air under pressure to the first end of the port bag (46) to inflate the port bag (46) to a stiff position with the nozzle thereof engaging the port wing (14) of the aircraft (10),said method characterized by disposing the nozzles of the first starboard (43) and port (46) bags in a first horizontal V.sub.a -shape with each other to direct the emitting air in said emitting planes rearwardly and outwardly on each side of the aircraft (10) to move deicing material outwardly and rearwardly over the wings (12 and 14) of the aircraft (10).