Ice-Offä 'Formula I' is a FPD (freezing point depressant) fluid, is to be applied hot (to 160°F), and works by both direct thermal action and by lowering the freeze point of the accumulated ice, snow or frost below the ambient air (or aircraft skin) temperature, such that the contaminate effectively liquefies and melts off. Further, once Ice-Offä 'Formula I' is properly applied and all the frozen precipitate melts, the residual fluid remaining on the aircraft resists further freezing, and provides limited protection against the accumulation of additional frozen contaminates. Reference the "Holdover Table" presented in these web pages for more information regarding Ice-Offä 'Formula I's' time-effectiveness against additional accumulations of freezing precipitation.

Read our 'Theory & Methods: Small Aircraft Ground Deicing' sheet before deicing your aircraft. All loose contaminates should first be brushed or otherwise removed from the aircraft. Ice-Offä 'Formula I' deicing fluid (heated to a maximum of 160° F) should then be sprayed (use Ice-Offä Brand Hand or Power Sprayers) directly onto and thoroughly cover the critical aircraft surfaces. These include wing and empennage leading edges, upper & lower wing and horizontal stabilizer surfaces, control surfaces, propellers, windshields, fuel tank/cap vents, stall warning devices, antennas, landing gear, and exposed instrumentation devices (pitot-static probes, static ports, etc.). Avoid spraying deicing fluid directly into engine and APU openings, pitot-static probes, and static ports, however. Allow some time for the deicing fluid to work. Dependent upon the type and density of the frozen precipitate, repeated applications of the deicing fluid may be required, until the fluid penetrates to the aircraft surface and all contaminates have melted off. After deicing, a close visual and tactile inspection of all critical surfaces is required to determine the airworthiness of the aircraft.

Deicing Fluid:  Packaging, Lot Numbers, Expiration Date

Ice-Offä 'Formula I' is packaged in 1-Gal., 5-Gal., 15-Gal., 30-Gal., & 55-Gal. containers.  Each container is clearly labeled as to contents, and is assigned a Lot Number and Expiration Date.  The Expiration Date indicates the minimum shelf life of 2 years from the date of manufacture / certification. Should product you have on hand exceed the Expiration Date, send a 1-Qt. sample to us for testing.  If the sample submitted falls within manufacturing specifications and is not otherwise contaminated or degraded, we may recertify it for use for an additional 2 years.

Ice-Offä 'Formula I' should be applied hot,  to a maximum temperature of 160°F. Use the Ice-Offä Brand Immersion Heaters to heat your deicing fluid, as they're specially designed to heat and maintain the fluid temperature at the 160°F maximum. Also, use the Ice-Offä Brand Hand or Power Sprayers for best results, as they're designed to operate at the maximum 160°F fluid temperature and to provide the optimal pressure, spray pattern and flow rate to effectively deice your aircraft.

Apply 'Formula I' only when the outside air temperature is at or above -12°F (-24°C). If you apply the fluid at temperatures below -12°F, the (diluted) residual fluid remaining on the aircraft's surfaces after application may refreeze during takeoff, affecting the aircraft's aerodynamic characteristics.

Do not dilute Ice-Offä 'Formula I' deicing fluid. It is formulated to be applied to your aircraft at full strength. Dilution of the fluid will decrease its effectiveness in melting the frozen precipitate, may allow residual fluid remaining after application to freeze upon the aircraft's surface, and may compromise the expected "Holdover Time".

Ice-Offä 'Formula I' is for aircraft ground deicing only. While it does offer limited resistance to further accumulations of frozen precipitation (see the ‘Holdover Table’ in these web pages), it is not intended as an 'anti-icing' fluid. Consider Ice-Offä ‘Formula IV’ for anti-icing purposes, but only with fixed-wing, metal aircraft with a rotation speed of 85 kts or more. Do not use 'Formula I' as an airborne deice or anti-ice fluid, or as a windshield or propeller deice fluid. And, ''Formula I' provides no protection against in-flight icing.  

Refer to applicable deicing procedures recommended by your specific aircraft manufacturer in their applicable Aircraft Flight Manual, Maintenance Manual or Aircraft Service Manual.

Ice-Offä 'Formula I' is an SAE Type I ground deicing fluid, is approved for use by the FAA, and meets AMS 1424 & ISO 11075 specifications. For further information regarding the deicing of small aircraft, refer to the FAA's Advisory Circular #AC135-17 "Pilot Guide - Small Aircraft Ground Deicing", and #AC20-117 "Hazards Following Ground Deicing and Ground Operations in Conditions Conducive to Aircraft Icing", available from U.S. Printing Office. See www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fsat/fsat0205.doc (FAA FSAT 0205) for the latest information on aircraft ground deicing.

Do not use unapproved deicing fluids. They may not be compatible with aircraft materials and finishes, may impair aircraft performance and flight characteristics, and may cause control surface instabilities. The use of automotive antifreeze as an aircraft ground deicing fluid is not approved by the FAA or the aircraft manufacturers.