Interim Report - Introduction - EASA

INTERIM REPORT – OPTIONS FOR CHANGE
EASA.2009.OP.21
4.1 The First and Most Important Recommendation
The only known method for positively ascertaining that
an aeroplane is clean prior to take-off is by close inspection.
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ICAO Doc9640
One may add to this quote, a close inspection performed by a trained, qualified and wellmotivated
person. Ultimately, whatever has occurred before a post de-icing / anti-icing
treatment check, this check is the last safety defence before shifting all responsibility onto the
shoulders of the aircraft captain. For a captain to fulfil his/her responsibilities in ascertaining
that the aircraft is in an airworthy state at take-off, this check needs to be 100% accurate
100% of the time! The post treatment inspector must be able to accurately decide whether
unwanted contamination is present on the aircraft or not, and then communicate this
accurately to the captain. The close inspection necessary to achieve this must always
include visual, and where necessary tactile.
REC1. It is recommended that all those involved in de-icing / anti-icing operations on
the ground, and all those who have an interest in ensuring the standards of
these operations are the highest possible, do whatever they can to make the
task of the post treatment inspector as easy as possible.
This Recommendation requires focus on the purpose of de-icing / anti-icing, first and
foremost, as a safety critical function aimed at ensuring an aircraft maintains its
airworthiness, rather than as a commercial activity. If stakeholders maintain their focus on
this Recommendation whilst reading this document and give it consideration whenever they
feel a resistance to support change, then their feedback will be more effective in helping to
raise standards of de-icing / anti-icing operations.