TKS for frost

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skiermike

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Skiermike
Hi everyone - I was frustrated again this morning by significant frost on my wings. One of my tie-down neighbors showed up about the same time as I did, except he came prepared with a little one-gallon weed sprayer full to TKS fluid. He proceeded to mist his plane and let me do mine and the frost just disappeared instantly. Awesome!

I went flying and upon returning I noticed that there seemed to be a bit of residue left over from the TKS fluid. Are there any “gotchas” with TKS? Does it need to be washed off? Is it corrosive? It was Kilfrost TKS-406b if that makes a difference.

Thanks!
 
It shouldn’t be corrosive. We use TKS in the Cirrus all time.
 
It is actually a bit corrosive apparently but it doesn’t corrode fast.

Almost all Cirruses (mine included) are routinely covered in the stuff and we just let it evaporate off. A one time exposure will do absolutely nothing.
 
It looks like it contains alcohol; is it safe to get on the windows?
 
I've also used windshield washer fluid!
 
Weird.

I sprayed TKS fluid on a frost-covered Cirrus on a cold morning, and it had no appreciable affect at all.

Maybe the difference is that what we were facing was more frozen dew:

11109030243_5f430e79f2_b.jpg


As an aside, none of the aluminum planes on the ramp had a hint of ice or frost.
 
RudyP said:
It is actually a bit corrosive apparently but it doesn’t corrode fast.

Almost all Cirruses (mine included) are routinely covered in the stuff and we just let it evaporate off. A one time exposure will do absolutely nothing.
Click to expand...

Well, I was thinking I’d buy myself a sprayer and do the same, probably would end up using it a fair number of times throughout the winter.

FastEddieB said:
Weird.

I sprayed TKS fluid on a frost-covered Cirrus on a cold morning, and it had no appreciable affect at all.

Maybe the difference is that what we were facing was more frozen dew:

11109030243_5f430e79f2_b.jpg


As an aside, none of the aluminum planes on the ramp had a hint of ice or frost.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I’ve seen that one before - that looks like rain and then freeze.
 
The TKS website has a story about corrosion in a Beech wing. Not sure if it's a one-off or not.
 
All aircraft deicing fluids are nothing more than a freezing depressant added to water. The hot application will speed the effect, this is why type 1 deice fluids are applied hot. Most GA guys just use room/hangar temperature. I have heard of folks using antiicing products made for RV water systems.
 
of course, we all know the real solution to your problem is to move 20° of latitude farther south.
 
My understanding of TKS snd corrosion is that the fluid can trap moisture which obviously is a part of the corrosion process.
 
skiermike said:
Well, I was thinking I’d buy myself a sprayer and do the same, probably would end up using it a fair number of times throughout the winter.
Click to expand...

I carry a one-gallon garden sprayer on wintertime cross country trips. Also a small bucket and a big towel.

The bucket is to collect warm water from the FBO kitchen and carry it out to the ramp, to warm the TKS sprayer. The big towel is to wipe water off the plane. This works well on frost, but I do get wet and cold.

Taking your TKS jug inside overnight might help keep it warm.
 
It's basically antifreeze

Just remember to spray the same way the air flows over the plane, and be careful not to get it in the intakes or pitot or anything.
 
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