Design
A deicing boot consists of a thick rubber membrane that is installed over the surface. As atmospheric icing occurs and ice builds up, a pneumatic system inflates the boot with compressed air. This expansion in size cracks any ice that has accumulated, and this ice is then blown away by the airflow. The boots are then deflated to return the wing or surface to its optimal shape.
They are an older technology and have some drawbacks. Boots need to be replaced frequently (on the order of 2–3 years) and proper care for deicing boots is critical. Any holes in the boot will create air leaks that will decrease, if not eliminate, any effect that the boots may have. As such, boots must be carefully inspected before each flight and any holes or cuts must be patched.
Deicing boots have undoubtedly saved many lives and have permitted flight into known icing conditions, but they are unable to handle extremely severe icing. In these cases, ice can accumulate faster than the boots can shed it, or ice can accumulate on non-booted surfaces to the point where it disrupts airflow enough to cause a dangerous loss of lift or control.
Read more about this topic: Deicing Boot
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