Aircraft De-Icing for Private Jet Charter

Aircraft de-icing is removing ice, snow, or frost from an aircraft. These elements are typically de-iced from the aircraft’s wings, tail, and control surfaces. If not removed, issues may arise affecting the aerodynamics (increased drag and reduced lift), making flying unsafe.

If you’ve ever read through an aircraft charter agreement from start to finish, whether it be The Early Air Way’s or any other charter company’s, you’ll most likely notice a hangaring and aircraft de-icing clause. You may be wondering what it’s for and what it means.

This article will explore the process of de-icing, why it’s essential for private jets and other aircraft, and an alternative solution using hangaring.

Aircraft De-Icing Is a Must for Ice and Snow Buildup, by Law

By law, for your safety, aircraft and private jets may not take off with ice and snow buildup on their exterior moving surfaces. Airports use an aircraft de-icing solution to quickly melt the ice on aircraft and make an icy plane airworthy.

This de-icing solution is surprisingly expensive, averaging $10.00 to $20.00 USD per gallon. Generally, many de-icing solutions are required to prepare an aircraft for flight. Both the size of the affected aircraft and the severity of the snow and ice buildup will dictate the quantity of solution to be used.

Cost and Billing for De-Icing Private Jets and Other Aircraft

Unfortunately, for charter consumers and aircraft owners alike, you will be billed. The Early Air Way bills de-icing to its clients, as does every other charter company you’ll find. Sometimes, jet cards or other membership programs may include de-icing. This is very important to know as we enter the winter travel season, as your flight could require de-icing. If your aircraft is snowed on while on a trip for you, the odds that you’ll require this service are pretty good.

De-icing an aircraft will generally start at about $500.00 for a light jet with mild icing. However, it can go all the way up to about $8,000.00 for a heavy jet with significant ice buildup. Receiving such a bill at the end of a charter may come as an unwelcome surprise, but it is par for the course when it comes to flying private jets.

Hangaring as an Alternative to De-Icing

Although aircraft de-icing is the most effective method to remove snow, ice, or frost, an alternative for many (but not all) situations is to hangar your aircraft during a snowstorm. When available, hangaring an aircraft averages about $350.00 per night and can protect your plane from ice buildup. When available, hangaring your aircraft will often save quite a bit of money when compared to de-icing.

Just because you’re flying into a cold place during the winter does not mean that your plane will require hangaring and de-icing. In fact, the majority of our winter flights do not require hangaring and de-icing altogether. The risk for these incidentals is there when flying into cold places, however.

Planning Ahead, Avoid Unexpected Surprises

No private jet traveler wants to deal with de-icing. However, it’s just part of the game of private aviation.

Whether you’re looking to book a flight with The Early Air Way or are with another charter company this winter, knowing about hangaring and de-icing before your trip can save you from any unexpected surprises after you return home from the snow.

Conclusion

Have fun chartering a jet to Aspen, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Lake Tahoe, Vail, and all other winter destinations this winter!

Chartering a jet to these winter destinations is fantastic; it’s just good to know what’s involved in doing it.

Written by Alex M. Early, CEO of The Early Air Way
December 14th, 2013