WITHDRAWNÂ - RECOMMENDATIONS NOT NEEDED ANYMORE. Refer to GM3 CAT.OP.MPA.250.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Air operators and contracted ground de-icing service providers should update their ground de-icing procedures and operations manuals to reference the latest Global Aircraft De-icing Standards and FAA Holdover Time Guidelines before the upcoming winter season. They should inform and train all relevant personnel, including service providers, on these updated standards and ensure conservative application of holdover times when input data is uncertain. Operators must carefully consider the applicability of FAA guidance to European operations and adjust procedures accordingly.
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2017-11 is an informational document addressing global aircraft ground de-icing standards relevant to commercial air transport, other commercial operations, and non-commercial complex motor-powered aircraft. It highlights the discontinuation of the Association of European Airlines' de-icing recommendations and promotes the adoption of the newly developed Global Aircraft De-icing Standards by SAE International and the FAA Holdover Time Guidelines as reference materials for establishing ground de-icing procedures. The bulletin does not target specific aircraft or engine models but applies broadly to operators and ground service providers involved in aircraft de-icing.
What changed
EASA SIB 2017-11 announces that the AEA has discontinued its annual de-icing recommendations and training publications, recommending operators instead use the Global Aircraft De-icing Standards developed by SAE International and supported by IATA and ICAO. It also endorses the FAA Holdover Time Guidelines as an acceptable reference for holdover time tables in European operations manuals. This represents a shift towards harmonized, globally recognized standards for aircraft ground de-icing practices.
Why it matters
This bulletin matters because it guides operators and ground service providers to align their de-icing procedures with internationally harmonized standards, improving safety and operational consistency across different airports and regions. Using the Global Aircraft De-icing Standards and FAA Holdover Time Guidelines helps ensure that de-icing practices are based on the latest industry best practices and regulatory expectations, reducing risks associated with inadequate de-icing. It also facilitates training and quality management improvements for personnel involved in de-icing operations.
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for your aircraft, summarized like this page, every Monday.