Watch as the deicing boots on a Cessna 210 fail at their job

Icing Boots: No need to thank me
Pilot: But you didn’t even do anythi–
Icing Boots: Sorry, I can’t hear you– *freezes over*

Deicing boots on a Cessna 210, like on many other general aviation aircraft, are a crucial component for managing ice accumulation during flight.

Deicing boots serve the primary purpose of preventing or removing ice accumulation on the leading edges of the wings. Ice can disrupt the smooth airflow over the wings, leading to a reduction in lift and compromised aerodynamic performance.

Deicing boots are made of a flexible rubber-like material. They are designed to inflate and deflate in a cyclical manner to break and shed accumulated ice. The boots are attached to the aircraft’s structure, and they undergo controlled inflation and deflation sequences.

The inflation of deicing boots is usually controlled by a system that regulates the flow of air or other deicing fluids into the boots. This inflation causes the boots to expand and break the ice layer. Once the ice is broken, the boots deflate, allowing any remaining ice to be carried away by the slipstream.

While deicing boots are effective, they have limitations. They work best for preventing or removing thin layers of ice. In severe icing conditions, additional anti-icing measures or avoiding the conditions altogether are recommended.

Pilots of aircraft equipped with deicing boots need to be familiar with the system’s operation. They should follow recommended procedures for activating the boots when encountering icing conditions. Additionally, understanding the limitations of the system is crucial for safe flight.