Subject: GROUND DEICING AND 

ANTI-ICING PROGRAM

Date: 12/20/04

Initiated By: AFS-220

AC No: 120-60B

Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) has been updated to reflect current industry 

practices and to standardize the application process and training programs associated with 

ground deicing/anti-icing. It provides an industry-wide standard means for obtaining approval of 

a Ground Deicing /Anti-Icing Program in accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 121, section 121.629. In addition, it provides a means acceptable to 

the Administrator for a certificate holder to deice/anti-ice aircraft using another certificate 

holder’s personnel and procedures or contract personnel who have been trained by the other 

certificate holder. 

2. CANCELLATION. AC 120-60A, Ground Deicing and Ant-Icing Program, dated 

August 30, 2004, is canceled. 

3. DEFINITIONS. 

a. Anti-icing. A procedure used to provide protection against the formation of frost or ice 

and accumulation of snow or slush on clean surfaces of the aircraft for a limited period of time 

(holdover time). Anti-icing fluids are normally applied unheated on clean aircraft surfaces, but 

may be applied heated, and include: 

(1) SAE Type I fluid. 

(2) Concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type I fluid. 

(3) Concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type II fluid. 

(4) Concentrates of SAE Type III fluid. 

(5) Concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type IV fluid. 

b. Deicing. A procedure used to remove frost, ice, slush, or snow from the aircraft in order 

to provide clean surfaces. The procedure can be accomplished using fluids, infrared energy, 
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

mechanical means, or by heating the aircraft. Deicing fluid is usually applied heated to assure 

maximum deicing efficiency and includes: 

(1) Heated water. 

(2) SAE Type I fluid. 

(3) Heated concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type I fluid. 

(4) Heated concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type II fluid. 

(5) Heated concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type III fluid. 

(6) Heated concentrates or mixtures of water and SAE Type IV fluid. 

c. Frozen Contaminants. As used in this AC, frozen contaminants include light freezing 

rain, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, frost, ice, ice pellets, snow, snow grains, and slush. 

d. Holdover Time (HOT). The estimated time that deicing/anti-icing fluid will prevent the 

formation of frost or ice and the accumulation of snow on the critical surfaces of an aircraft. 

HOT begins when the final application of deicing/anti-icing fluid commences and expires when 

the deicing/anti-icing fluid loses its effectiveness. 

e. Pretakeoff Check. A check of the aircraft’s wings or representative aircraft surfaces for 

frozen contaminants. This check is conducted within the aircraft’s HOT and may be made by 

observing representative surfaces from the flight deck, cabin, or outside the aircraft, depending 

on the type of aircraft and operator’s FAA-approved program. 

f. Pretakeoff Contamination Check. A check (conducted after the aircraft’s HOT has been 

exceeded) to ensure the aircraft’s wings, control surfaces, and other critical surfaces, as defined 

in the certificate holder’s program, are free of all frozen contaminants. This check must be 

completed within 5 minutes before beginning takeoff and from outside the aircraft, unless the 

certificate holder’s FAA-approved program specifies otherwise . 

g. Post Deicing Check. A check, after deicing application, to ensure all aircraft surfaces are 

free of frozen contaminants. 

4. RELATED READING MATERIAL. The following material is useful in developing 

training program subject material and instructions, and procedures for incorporation in the 

certificate holder’s manuals: 

a. Publications of the United States Government.

(1) AC 20-117, Hazards Following Ground Deicing and Ground Operations in 

Conditions Conducive to Aircraft Icing. 

Page 2 Par 3 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(2) AC 120-58, Pilot Guide for Large Aircraft Ground Deicing. 

(3) FAA publication, Winter Operations Guidance for Air Carriers and other Adverse 

Weather Topics. 

(4) The annual Flight Standards Information Bulletin (FSAT) on ground de-icing. 

NOTE: The FAA publication may be obtained from the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, Ardmore East Business Center, 

3341 Q 75th Ave., Landover, MD, 20785. The ACs are located on the FAA Web site 

at http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl. 

The FSAT is located on the FAA Web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fsat/fsatl.htm

b. Publications of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Copies of the following 

documents may be obtained by writing to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 

Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 15096-0001. 

(1) Aerospace Materials Specification (AMS) 1424, Deicing/Anti-Icing, Fluid, Aircraft, 

SAE Type I. 

(2) Aerospace Materials Specification (AMS) 1428, Deicing/Anti-Icing, Fluid, Aircraft, 

Non-Newtonian, Pseudo-Plastic, SAE Type II, III & IV. 

(3) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4737, Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing 

Methods. 

(4) Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 5149, Training Program Guidelines for 

Deicing/Anti-icing of Aircraft on Ground. 

c. Publications of the International Standards Organization (ISO). Copies of the 

following documents may be obtained from the American National Standards Institute, 

11 West 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10036, (212) 642-4900. 

(1) ISO 11075, Aerospace-Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing Newtonian Fluids ISO Type I. 

(2) ISO 11076, Aerospace-Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing Methods with Fluids. 

(3) ISO 11078, Aerospace-Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing Non-Newtonian Fluids ISO 

Type II. 

 

d. Publications of the Association of European Airlines(AEA). 

AEA Recommendations for Deicing/Anti-icing of Aircraft on the Ground. This publication can 

be found on the following Web site: http://www.aea.be. Select “publications” then click on 

“deicing/anti-icing”. 

Par 4 Page 3
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

5. CONTENT. This AC provides guidelines for acceptable program elements for incorporation 

in the certificate holder’s approved ground deicing and anti-icing program. Also, a certificate 

holder, with a ground deicing and anti-icing program approved in accordance with this AC, may 

deice and anti-ice aircraft using another certificate holder’s ground deicing and anti-icing 

program that is approved in accordance with this AC. 

6. PROGRAM ELEMENTS. Section 121.629(c) requires a certificate holder’s ground deicing 

and anti-icing program to include the following elements: 

a. Management Plan (Section 121.629(c)(1)). In order to properly exercise operational 

control (when conditions are such that frost, ice, snow, or slush may reasonably be expected to 

adhere to an aircraft), the certificate holder should develop, coordinate with other affected 

parties, implement, and use a management plan for proper execution of its approved deicing/antiicing program. A plan encompassing the following elements is acceptable: 

(1) Responsibility. At each airport where operations are expected to be conducted in 

conditions conducive to ground icing, determine who is responsible for deciding when ground 

deicing/anti-icing procedures are in effect. 

(2) Implementation. At each airport, determine who is responsible for implementation 

of the ground deicing/anti-icing procedures, including adequate qualified personnel and 

equipment. 

(3) Incorporation In Manuals. A detailed description of the deicing/anti-icing program

should be incorporated in the certificate holder’s manuals for flight crewmembers, dispatchers or 

flight followers, ground operations personnel, and management personnel to use when 

conducting operations under ground icing conditions. This description should include the 

functions, duties, responsibilities, instructions, and procedures to be used. 

(4) Coordination. At each airport, a winter operations plan should be developed to 

include coordination with ATC and the appropriate airport authorities. 

b. Application Procedures. In an appropriate manual, certificate holders shall specify the 

deicing and anti-icing fluid procedures for each type of aircraft operated. Ground personnel 

trained and qualified to apply deicing and anti-icing fluid, in accordance with a certificate 

holder’s AC 120-60 (current edition) program, do not require additional training and 

qualification to deice and anti-ice similar aircraft operated by another certificate holder with a 

deicing and anti-icing program also approved in accordance with the current edition of 

AC 120-60. However, specific training is needed for an operator’s deicing personnel to deice 

aircraft with different configurations (e.g., turboprop with t-tail). 

c. HOT Tables and Procedures for Their Use. Section 121.629(c)(3) requires that the 

deicing/anti-icing program include HOT tables and the procedures for the use of these tables by 

the certificate holder’s personnel. The following elements should be included in the approved 

program:

Page 4 Par 5 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(1) Responsibilities and Procedures. The certificate holder’s program should define 

operational responsibilities and contain procedures for the flightcrew, aircraft dispatchers, flight 

followers, and maintenance and ground personnel that apply to the use of HOTs and resultant 

actions if the determined HOT is exceeded. 

(a) Procedures should be developed to address deicing operations at specific deicing 

locations (e.g., gate, remote, or centralized facilities). 

(b) Procedures should be developed for ground crew and flightcrew to communicate: 

1 During aircraft positioning (if required). 

2 Other pertinent information regarding the deicing/anti-icing process. 

3 Start of the HOT. 

4 The aircraft departure process. 

5 Equipment clear/job done – safe to start taxiing.

(c) In addition, procedures should be developed for the flightcrew’s use of the 

pertinent HOT tables, coordination with dispatchers or flight followers and coordination with 

ATC. 

(2) FAA HOT Tables. Except as provided in section 121.629(d), each certificate holder 

is required under section 121.629(c)(3) to implement HOT tables for use by its personnel. The 

FAA develops HOT tables for Type I deice/anti-ice fluid and generic Type II and IV anti-ice 

fluid in accordance with SAE ARP 4737, Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing Methods, and ISO 11076, 

Aerospace Aircraft Deicing/Anti-Icing Methods with Fluids. HOTs that exceed those specified 

in the current editions of the FAA and manufacturer’s specific HOT of approved fluids are not 

acceptable. However, the certificate holder may require the use of more conservative times than 

those specified in the FAA tables. Tables 1 and 2 of Appendix 1 are samples of HOT tables. 

(3) Use of HOT Tables. HOT ranges are an estimate of the time that deicing/anti-icing 

fluid will prevent the formation of frost or ice and the accumulation of snow on the unprotected 

surfaces of an aircraft. HOT begins when the final application of deicing/anti-icing fluid 

commences and expires when the deicing/anti-icing fluid applied to the aircraft loses its 

effectiveness (e.g., when ice begins to form on or in the fluid). HOTs vary with weather 

conditions. The effectiveness of deicing/anti-icing fluids is based on a number of variables (e.g., 

temperature, moisture content of the precipitation, wind, and the aircraft skin temperature). The 

HOT tables are to be used for departure planning and in conjunction with pretakeoff check 

procedures. 

d. Frozen Contaminants on the Aircraft. Per section 121.629(b), the aircraft must be free 

of all frozen contaminants adhering to the wings, control surfaces, propellers, engine inlets, or 

other critical surfaces before takeoff. 

Par 6 Page 5
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

NOTE: The Administrator may authorize “Takeoff” with frost under the 

wing in the area of the fuel tanks, if it can be shown that there is minimal 

degradation of aircraft performance due to these accumulations. However, 

under-wing frost that degrades airplane performance beyond a minimal 

amount is acceptable if the appropriate performance information is 

provided in the AFM. 

(1) Identification of Critical Aircraft Surfaces. The critical aircraft surfaces, which

must be clear of contaminants before takeoff should be described in the aircraft manufacturer's 

maintenance manual or other manufacturer-developed documents, such as service or operations 

bulletins. 

(a) Generally, the following should be considered to be critical aircraft surfaces, if 

the aircraft manufacturer's information is not available: 

1 Pitot heads, static ports, ram-air intakes for engine control and flight instruments, 

other kinds of instrument sensor pickup points, fuel vents, propellers, and engine inlets. 

2 Wings, empennage, and control surfaces. 

3 Fuselage upper surfaces on aircraft with center mounted engine(s). 

(b) Certificate holders should list in the flight manual or the operations manual, for 

each type of aircraft used in their operations, the critical surfaces that should be checked on 

flight-crewmember-conducted preflight inspections, pretakeoff checks, and pretakeoff 

contamination checks. 

(c) Critical surfaces should be defined for the use of ground personnel for conducting

the check following the deicing/anti-icing process and for any pretakeoff contamination checks 

that may be accomplished by ground personnel. 

(2) Identification of Representative Aircraft Surfaces (for use in conducting 

pretakeoff checks only). For each type of aircraft operated, certificate holders should list, in an 

appropriate manual, the representative surfaces that may be checked while conducting pretakeoff 

checks. Some aircraft manufacturers have identified certain aircraft surfaces that the flightcrew 

can readily observe to determine whether or not frozen contaminants are accumulating or 

forming on that surface and, by using it as a representative surface, can make a reasoned 

judgment regarding whether or not frozen contaminants are adhering to other aircraft surfaces. 

When identifying a representative aircraft surface, the following guidelines should be 

considered:

(a) The surface can be seen clearly to determine whether or not frozen contaminants 

are forming or accumulating on the surface. 

(b) The surface should be unheated. 

Page 6 Par 6 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(c) During the deicing/anti-icing procedure, the representative surface should be one 

of the first surfaces treated with deicing/anti-icing fluid. However, the designation of

representative surfaces is not limited to treated surfaces. 

(3) Recognition Techniques. Certificate holder’s Initial, Transition, Recurrent, 

Upgrade, or Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) and Continuing Qualification training 

curricula should include aircraft type-specific techniques for use by the flightcrew and other 

personnel for recognizing contamination on aircraft surfaces. The flightcrew and other personnel 

should use these type-specific techniques while conducting preflight aircraft icing checks, 

pretakeoff checks, and pretakeoff contamination checks. Frozen contaminants can take the form

of ice, frost, snow, or slush. 

NOTE: The formation of clear ice may be difficult to detect visually. 

Therefore, specific techniques for identification of clear ice should be 

included in all training programs. 

e. Types of Icing Checks. Section 121.629(c)(4) identifies pretakeoff and pretakeoff 

contamination checks that, when applicable, are required to be accomplished under an operator’s 

approved deicing/anti-icing program. The aircraft deicing/anti-icing procedure also includes a 

post deicing/anti icing check of all aircraft surfaces. 

(1) Pretakeoff Check (within the HOT). This check is required under section 

121.629(c)(3) anytime procedures for the use of HOT are required. The FAA recommends that 

only the flightcrew accomplish the pretakeoff check. The flightcrew must accomplish the check 

within the HOT. The flightcrew should check the aircraft’s wings or representative aircraft 

surfaces for frozen contamination. The surfaces to be checked are determined by manufacturer’s 

data or guidance contained in this AC. The pretakeoff check is integral to the use of HOTs. 

Because of the limitations and cautions associated with the use of HOTs, the flightcrew must 

assess the current weather and other situational conditions that affect the aircraft’s condition and 

not rely on the use of HOTs as the sole determinant that the aircraft is free of contaminants. 

Several pretakeoff checks may be required during the HOT period based on factors that include 

the length of the HOT range, weather, or other conditions. The flightcrew should maintain a 

continued awareness of the condition of the aircraft and accomplish a pretakeoff check just 

before taking the active runway for departure. When conducting the pretakeoff check, the 

flightcrew must factor in the application sequence (i.e., where on the aircraft the deicing process 

began).

(2) Pretakeoff Contamination Check (when HOT has been exceeded). Section 

121.629(c)(3)(i) states that completing a pretakeoff contamination check is one of the conditions 

that allows a takeoff after a HOT has been exceeded. When a HOT has been exceeded, 

certificate holders must have appropriate pretakeoff contamination check procedures for the 

flightcrew’s and/or other qualified ground personnel’s use to ensure that the aircraft’s critical 

surfaces remain free of frozen contaminants. Flightcrews and/or other qualified ground

personnel must complete the pretakeoff contamination check within 5 minutes before beginning 

takeoff. This check must be accomplished from outside the aircraft unless the certificate 

Par 6 Page 7
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

holder’s program specifies otherwise. If any doubt exists concerning the aircraft’s condition 

after completing this check, the aircraft cannot takeoff unless it is deiced again and a new HOT is 

determined. The following should be considered while developing procedures for this check: 

(a) Unless otherwise authorized in the certificate holder’s approved program,

certificate holders who operate hard-wing (wings without moveable leading edge lift devices) 

aircraft with aft, fuselage-mounted, turbine-powered engines should conduct pretakeoff 

contamination checks from outside the airplane. The pretakeoff contamination check for these 

aircraft should include a method, approved by the Administrator; to determine that all aircraft 

surfaces are free of contaminants. 

(b) Operators of aircraft other than those addressed in paragraph (a) above, should 

conduct this check from outside the aircraft unless they can show that the check can be 

adequately accomplished from inside the aircraft, as specified in the certificate holder’s program. 

The program must detail procedures and requirements for this check. When developing a 

program for conducting the pretakeoff contamination check from inside the aircraft, certificate 

holders should consider if crewmembers are able to see enough of the wings, control surfaces, 

and other surfaces to determine whether or not they are free of contaminants. When making this 

determination, consider the aircraft type, the method of conducting the check (from the cockpit 

or cabin), and other factors, such as aircraft lighting and ambient conditions. 

(3) Post Deicing/Anti-Icing Check. This multi-part check is an integral part of the 

deicing/anti-icing process. The check ensures that: 

(a) All critical surfaces are free of adhering frozen contaminants after deicing. 

(b) All critical surfaces are free of frozen contaminants before the application of any 

anti-icing fluid. 

(c) All critical surfaces are free of frozen contaminants before pushback or taxi. 

NOTE: Certificate holders should have procedures that require that 

qualified ground personnel conduct this check. Communication procedures 

should be established to relay pertinent deicing/anti icing information and 

the results of this check to the PIC. 

f. Communications. Communication between ground personnel and the flightcrew prior to 

commencing deicing/anti-icing operations is critical. Upon completion of deicing/anti-icing 

operations, ground personnel should communicate with the flightcrew to determine the start of 

the HOT. The particular HOT the flightcrew uses is also critical. Since many deicers service 

multiple carriers, the FAA recommends that all approved programs include the following flow 

sequence and information to provide standardized phraseology:

(1) Before commencing deicing/anti-icing operations, ground personnel and the 

flightcrew should review the following (as applicable): 

Page 8 Par 6 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(a) Deicing/anti-icing prior to crew arrival. 

(b) Gate or remote deicing/anti-icing procedures. 

(c) Aircraft-specific procedures. 

(d) Communications between ground personnel and the flightcrew. 

(2) Just before commencing the application of deicing/anti-icing fluid, ground personnel 

should confirm with the flightcrew that the aircraft is properly configured for deicing, as follows: 

Example: “Captain, is your aircraft ready for deicing/anti-icing?” 

(3) Upon completion of deicing/anti-icing, provide the flightcrew with the following 

elements: 

A: Fluid type (e.g., Type I, Type II, Type III or Type IV) Fluid product name

optional for each type of fluid if fluid meets product on-wing viscosity requirements.

B: Fluid/water mix ratio by volume of Types II, III, and IV. Reporting the 

concentration of Type I fluid is not required.. 

C: Specify, in local time (hours and minutes) the beginning of the final fluid 

application (e.g. 1330). 

D: Post application check accomplished. Specify date (day, written month, year). 

NOTE: Element D is required for recordkeeping, optional for crew notification. 

NOTE: Transmission of elements A-C to the flightcrew confirms that a post deicing/antiicing check was completed and the aircraft is clean. 

Examples of the ground/flightcrew communication sequence for the one and two-step 

processes follow:

One Step Process with Type I or other approved deicing fluid: “Captain, I 

am your designated deicer. Your aircraft has been deiced with Type I fluid. 

Your fluid application began at 1430.” 

Two Step Process with Types II, III, or IV: Captain, I am your designated

deicer. Your aircraft has been deiced with Type I fluid and anti-iced with 

Type IV. An anti-ice fluid mixture of 75 was used. Your anti-ice fluid

application began at 1645. 

g. Initial/Recurrent Ground Training and Qualification. Per section 121.629(c)(2), only 

exclusively trained and qualified personnel may carry out deicing/anti-icing procedures. 

(1) Each certificate holder’s approved program must consist of the following:

Par 6 Page 9
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

(a) Certificate holders must conduct initial and annual recurrent training for 

flightcrews, dispatchers, and ground personnel and should ensure that all such crews obtain and 

retain a thorough knowledge of aircraft ground deicing/anti-icing policies and procedures, 

including required procedures and lessons learned. 

(b) Flightcrew, dispatcher, and ground personnel training programs must include a 

detailed description of initial and annual recurrent ground training and qualification concerning 

the specific requirements of the program and the duties, responsibilities, and functions detailed in 

the program. 

(c) Flightcrew, dispatcher, and ground personnel training programs should have a 

Quality Assurance Program to monitor and maintain a high level of competence. An ongoing 

review plan is advisable to evaluate the effectiveness of the deicing/anti-icing training received. 

(d) The program should have a tracking system that records all required personnel 

have been satisfactorily trained. Certificate holders shall maintain records of personnel training 

and qualification (see Appendix 2) for proof of qualification. 

(e) Personnel must be able to adequately read, speak, and understand English in order 

to follow written and oral procedures applicable to the deicing/anti-icing program. 

(f) When the anti-icing fluids are used, the flightcrews should be made aware of any 

unusual flying qualities, such as the need for additional takeoff rotation stick-force. 

(2) Certificate holders should train and qualify flightcrew, dispatcher, and ground 

personnel on at least the following subjects, identified as Flightcrew (F), Dispatcher (D), or 

Ground Personnel (G): 

(a) Effects of Frozen Contaminants on Aircraft Surfaces. Provide an 

understanding of the critical effect the presence of minute amounts of frost, ice, or snow has on 

flight surfaces. This discussion should include, but is not limited to: 

1 Loss of lift. 

2 Increased drag and weight. 

3 Decreased control. 

4 Tendency for rapid pitch-up and roll-off during rotation (F/D only). 

5 Stall occurs at lower-than-normal angle of attack (F/D only). 

6 Buffet or stall occurs before activation of stall warning (F/D only). 

7 Aircraft specific areas: 

Page 10 Par 6 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(aa) Engine foreign object damage potential. 

(bb) Ram air intakes. 

(cc) Instrument pickup points. 

(dd) Leading edge device (LED) aircraft (aircraft that have slats or leading

edge flaps) and non-LED aircraft. 

(ee) Airworthiness Directives/Specific inspections. 

(ff) Winglets. 

(b) Aircraft Ground Icing Conditions. Describe conditions that cause 

implementation of deicing/anti-icing procedures (F/D/G).

1 In-flight Ice Accumulation. Certificate holders should have procedures for 

flightcrews on arriving flights to report occurrences of in-flight icing to the personnel responsible 

for executing the certificate holder’s deicing/anti-icing program. In-flight ice accumulation 

could result in a ground-deicing situation when flights are scheduled for short turnaround times 

(i.e., for 30 minutes or less and when ambient temperatures on the ground are at or below 

freezing). 

2 Frost, including hoarfrost. 

3 Freezing precipitation (snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, or hail, which 

could adhere to aircraft surfaces). 

4 Freezing fog. 

5 Rain or high humidity on cold soaked wing. 

6 Rain or high humidity on cold soaked wing fuel tanks. 

7 Under-wing frost (may not require deicing/anti-icing within certain limits). 

8 Fluid failure identification. 

(c) Location specific deicing/anti-icing procedures (F/D and/or G, as appropriate). 

(d) Communications procedures between the flightcrew, ground personnel, ATC, 

and company station personnel (F/D/G). 

NOTE: Use caution when exercising 3-way communication. They may be 

confusing, misleading, or misdirected. Communication procedures must 

include ground crew confirmation to the flightcrew after the deicing and 

Par 6 Page 11
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

anti-icing process is completed that all personnel and equipment are clear 

before reconfiguring or moving the aircraft. 

(e) Means for obtaining most current weather information (F/D/G). 

(f) Characteristics and capabilities of fluids used (F/D/G).

1 General fluid descriptions. 

2 Composition and appearance. 

3 Differences between Type I and Type II/IV deicing/anti-icing fluids. 

4 Purpose for each type. 

5 Deicing fluids. 

6 Anti-icing fluids. 

7 De/anti-icing fluids capabilities. 

8 Approved deicing/anti-icing fluids for use (SAE, ISO, etc.). 

9 Fluid-specific information provided by fluid or aircraft manufacturer (F/D

and/or G as appropriate). 

10 Fluid temperature requirements (Hot vs. Cold). 

11 Properties associated with infrared deicing/anti-icing. 

(g) Fluid Storage and Handling (G).

1 Fluid storage. 

2 Fluid handling. 

3 Fluid sampling. 

4 Fluid testing. 

(h) Deicing/Anti-icing Facilities and Equipment Operation Procedures (G). An 

understanding of the capabilities of the deicing equipment and the qualifications for operation. 

The equipment portion of the training program should include the following: 

1 Description of Various Equipment Types:

Page 12 Par 6 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(aa) Deicing vehicles. 

(bb) Infrared facilities. 

(cc) Hard stands. 

2 Operation of the equipment. 

3 Emergency procedures. 

(i) Health, Safety, and First Aid (F/D/G). 

(j) Environmental Considerations (G). 

(k) Fluid Selection (F/D/G). 

(l) Contractor Deicing/Anti-icing (F/D/G). Train-the-trainer (per the approved 

program). 

(m) Methods/Procedures (F/D/G).

1 Inspection of critical surfaces. 

2 Clear ice precautions. 

3 Flightcrew/groundcrew preflight check requirement. 

4 Deicing/anti-ice determination. 

5 Deicing/anti-ice location. 

6 Communication before deicing/anti-icing. 

7 General deicing/anti-ice precautions. 

8 Aircraft specific requirements. 

9 Deicing:

(aa) Requirements. 

(bb) Effective removal of frost, snow, and ice (G).

10 Anti-icing:

(aa) Requirements. 

Par 6 Page 13
AC 120-60B 12/20/04 

(bb) Preventative anti-icing (G).

(cc) Application (G).

11 Deicing/anti-icing:

(aa) One step. 

(bb) Two step. 

12 Guidelines for the application of deicing/anti-icing fluids.

13 Post deicing/anti-icing checks requirement. 

14 Flight control check. 

15 Communications after deicing/anti-icing. 

16 Use of the deicing/anti-icing log (Appendix 3). 

(n) Use of HOTs (F/D/G).

1 Definition of HOT. 

2 When HOT begins and ends. 

3 Limitations and cautions associated with the use of HOTs. 

4 Source of HOT data. 

5 Relationship of HOT to particular fluid concentrations and for different types 

of fluids. 

6 Precipitation category (e.g., fog, drizzle, rain, or snow). 

7 Precipitation intensity.

8 How to determine a specific HOT from the HOT range that accounts for 

moderate or light weather conditions (F/D).

9 Adjusting HOT for changing weather conditions (F/D).

NOTE: Ground personnel should receive familiarization training on 

determining a specific HOT from the HOT range and adjusting the HOT for 

changing weather conditions. 

Page 14 Par 6 
12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

(o) Pretakeoff Check Requirement (F/D). Identification of representative surfaces.

(p) Pretakeoff Contamination Check Requirement (F/D/G). Communications. 

(q) Aircraft Surface Contamination Recognition (F/D/G). 

7. OPERATIONS IN LIEU OF AN APPROVED DEICING/ANTI-ICING PROGRAM. 

Per section 121.629(d), a certificate holder may continue to operate without an approved ground 

deicing/anti-icing program if it has approved procedures and properly trained personnel for 

conducting a pretakeoff contamination check. The certificate holder’s operations specifications 

must contain the authorization for conducting this check in lieu of an approved program. As 

stated in section 121.629(d), this check is accomplished when conditions are such that frost, ice, 

or snow may reasonably be expected to adhere to the aircraft. The check must be completed 

within 5 minutes before beginning takeoff and from outside the aircraft. Certificate holder’s

manuals and training programs should detail procedures for accomplishing this check. 

/s/ Chester B. Dalbey, for 

James J. Ballough 

Director, Flight Standards Service 

Par 6 Page 15

APPENDIX 1. SAMPLE HOLDOVER TIME TABLES 

FAA TYPE I HOLDOVER TIME GUIDELINE 

 TABLE 1. GUIDELINE FOR HOLDOVER TIMES ANTICIPATED FOR SAE TYPE I FLUID MIXTURE AS A FUNCTIO

CONDITIONS AND OAT. 

CAUTION: THIS TABLE IS FOR USE IN DEPARTURE PLANING ONLY AND SHOULD BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRE-TAKEOFF CHECK P

OAT Approximate Holdover Times Under Various Weather Conditions (hours:minutes)

°C °F Frost* Freezing Fog Light Snow Moderate Snow **Freezing Drizzle Light Freezing Rain Rain o

Soake

above 

-3 

above 

27 

0:45 0:11 - 0:17 0:11 - 0:16 0:06 - 0:11 0:09 - 0:13 0:02 - 0:05 0:02 

 -3 to -6 27 to 21 0:45 0:08 - 0:14 0:08 - 0:13 0:05 - 0:08 0:07 - 0:10 0:02 - 0:05 

-7 to -10 20 to 14 0:45 0:06 - 0:10 0:06 - 0:10 0:04 - 0:06 0:05 - 0:08 0:02 - 0:05 

CAU

Clear 

requir

for con

below

 -10 

below 14 0:45 0:05 - 0:09 0:04 - 0:06 0:02 - 0:04 

°C = Degrees Celsius OAT = Outside Air Temperature °F = Degrees Fahrenheit FP = Freezing Point 

THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE APPLICATION OF THESE DATA REMAINS WITH THE USER.

* During conditions that apply to aircraft protection for ACTIVE FROST ** Use light freezing rain holdover times if positive identification of freezing drizzle is not possible ‡ Heavy snow, snow pellets, ice pellets, moderate and heavy freezing rain, hail 

 TO USE THESE TIMES, THE FLUID MUST BE HEATED TO A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 60°C (140°F) AT THE 

 LEAST 1 LITER/M2 (≈ 2 GALS/100FT2) MUST BE APPLIED TO DEICED SURFACES 

SAE Type I fluid/water mixture is selected so that the FP of the mixture is at least 10 °C (18 °F) below OAT. 

CAUTIONS: 

• THE TIME OF PROTECTION WILL BE SHORTENED IN HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS. HEAVY PRECIPITATION RATES OR HIGH MO

WIND VELOCITY OR JET BLAST WILL REDUCE HOLDOVER TIME BELOW THE LOWEST TIME STATED IN THE RANGE. HOLDOVER TWHEN AIRCRAFT SKIN TEMPERATURE IS LOWER THAN OAT.

• SAE TYPE I FLUID USED DURING GROUND DEICING/ANTI-ICING IS NOT INTENDED FOR AND DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION DU

 Effective: 

 Page1
APPENDIX 1. SAMPLE HOLDOVER TIME TABLES (CON’T) 

FAA TYPE II HOLDOVER TIME GUIDELINE 

TABLE 2 - Guideline for Holdover Times Anticipated for SAE Type II Fluid Mixtures as a Function of Weathe

 CAUTION: THIS TABLE IS FOR USE IN DEPARTURE PLANNING ONLY, AND IT SHOULD BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRE-TAKEO

OAT Approximate Holdover Times under Various Weather Conditions (hours: minu

°C °F

SAE Type II Fluid 

Concentration 

Neat-Fluid/Water

(Vol. %/Vol. %)

Frost* Freezing Fog Snow Freezing 

Drizzle*** 

Light Freezing 

Rain 

Rain on Co

Soaked W

100/0 12:00 0:35-1:30 0:20-0:55 0:30-0:55 0:15-0:30 0:05-0:40 

75/25 6:00 0:25-1:00 0:15-0:40 0:20-0:45 0:10-0:25 0:05-0:25

above 0 above 32 

50/50 4:00 0:15-0:30 0:05-0:15 0:05-0:15 0:05-0:10

100/0 8:00 0:35-1:30 0:20-0:45 0:30-0:55 0:15-0:3075/25 5:00 0:25-1:00 0:15-0:30 0:20-0:45 0:10-0:25

0 to -3 32 to 27 

50/50 3:00 0:15-0:30 0:05-0:15 0:05-0:15 0:05-0:10

below 100/0 8:00 0:20-1:05 0:15-0:35 **0:15-0:45 **0:10-0:25

-3 to -14 

below

27 to 7 75/25 5:00 0:20-0:55 0:15-0:25 **0:15-0:30 **0:10-0:20

CAUTION

Clear ice 

may requi

touch for 

confirmatio

below

 -14 to -25 

below

7 to -13 

 100/0 8:00 0:15-0:20 0:15-0:30

below

-25 

below

-13 

100/0 SAE Type II fluid may be used below –25 °C (-13 °F) provided the freezing point of the fluid is at least 7 

and the aerodynamic acceptance criteria are met. Consider use of SAE Type I when SAE Type II fluid 

°C = Degrees Celsius OAT = Outside Air Temperature °F = Degrees Fahrenheit VOL = Volume 

THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE APPLICATION OF THESE DATA REMAINS WITH THE USER. * During conditions that apply to aircraft protection for ACTIVE FROST ** No holdover time guidelines exist for this condition below -10 °C (14 °F) *** Use light freezing rain holdover times if positive identification of freezing drizzle is not possible ‡ Snow pellets, ice pellets, heavy snow, moderate and heavy freezing rain, hail  Snow includes snow grainsCAUTIONS:

• THE TIME OF PROTECTION WILL BE SHORTENED IN HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS. HEAVY PRECIPITATION RATES OR 

CONTENT, HIGH WIND VELOCITY OR JET BLAST MAY REDUCE HOLDOVER TIME BELOW THE LOWEST TIME STATED IN TTIME MAY BE REDUCED WHEN AIRCRAFT SKIN TEMPERATURE IS LOWER THAN OAT. 

• SAE TYPE II FLUID USED DURING GROUND DEICING/ANTI-ICING IS NOT INTENDED FOR AND DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTE

NOTE: Type III fluids are no longer used in the United States. Therefore, Table 3 is currently not offered.

Page 2 
APPENDIX 1. SAMPLE HOLDOVER TIME TABLES (CON’T) 

FAA TYPE IV HOLDOVER TIME GUIDELINE 

TABLE 4 - Guideline for Holdover Times Anticipated for SAE Type IV Fluid Mixtures as a Function of Weather Condi

CAUTION: THIS TABLE IS FOR USE IN DEPARTURE PLANNING ONLY, AND IT SHOULD BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRE-TAKEO

OAT Approximate Holdover Times under Various Weather Conditions (hours: minutes) 

°C °F Concentration NeatFluid/Water 

SAE Type IV Fluid 

(Vol. %/Vol. %)

Frost* Freezing Fog Snow Freezing 

Drizzle*** 

Light Freezing 

Rain 

Rain on Cold 

Soaked Wing

100/0 18:00 1:05-2:15 0:35-1:05 0:40-1:10 0:25-0:40 0:10-0:50

above 0 above 32 75/25 6:00 1:05-1:45 0:30-1:05 0:35-0:50 0:15-0:30 0:05-0:35

50/50 4:00 0:15-0:35 0:05-0:20 0:10-0:20 0:05-0:10

100/0 12:00 1:05-2:15 0:30-0:55 0:40-1:10 0:25-0:40

0 to -3 32 to 27 75/25 5:00 1:05-1:45 0:25-0:50 0:35-0:50 0:15-0:30

50/50 3:00 0:15-0:35 0:05-0:15 0:10-0:20 0:05-0:10

below 100/0 12:00 0:20-1:20 0:20-0:40 **0:20-0:45 **0:10-0:25

-3 to -14 

below

27 to 7 75/25 5:00 0:25-0:50 0:15-0:25 **0:15-0:30 **0:10-0:20

CAUTION: 

Clear ice 

may require 

touch for 

confirmation 

below

-14 to -25 

below

7 to -13 

100/0 12:00 0:15-0:40 0:15-0:30

below -25 below -13 100/0 SAE Type IV fluid may be used below –25 °C (-13 °F) provided the freezing point of the fluid is at 

the OAT and the aerodynamic acceptance criteria are met. Consider use of SAE Type I when SA

be used. 

 °C = Degrees Celsius OAT = Outside Air Temperature 

 °F = Degrees Fahrenheit VOL = Volume 

 THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE APPLICATION OF THESE DATA REMAINS WITH THE USER. 

* During conditions that apply to aircraft protection for ACTIVE FROST 

 ** No holdover time guidelines exist for this condition below -10 °C (14 °F)

 *** Use light freezing rain holdover times if positive identification of freezing drizzle is not possible  ‡ Snow pellets, ice pellets, heavy snow, moderate and heavy freezing rain, hail 

 Snow includes snow grains

CAUTIONS:

• THE TIME OF PROTECTION WILL BE SHORTENED IN HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS. HEAVY PRECIPITATION RATES OR 

HIGH WIND VELOCITY OR JET BLAST MAY REDUCE HOLDOVER TIME BELOW THE LOWEST TIME STATED IN THE RANGE

REDUCED WHEN AIRCRAFT SKIN TEMPERATURE IS LOWER THAN OAT.

• SAE TYPE IV FLUID USED DURING GROUND DEICING/ANTI-ICING IS NOT INTENDED FOR AND DOES NOT PROVIDE PROTEC

Effective: October1, 2002

 Page 3 (and 4) 

12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

 Appendix 2 

APPENDIX 2. AIRCRAFT DEICING/ANTI-ICING TRAINING ROSTER 

Page 1 (and 2)

12/20/04 AC 120-60B 

 Appendix 3 

APPENDIX 3. STATION DEICING/ANTI-ICING FORM 

Page 1 (and 2)