The orange liquid used on aircraft during ice and snow operations is which type?

• A. Type I de-icing fluid
• B. Type II anti-icing fluid
• C. Type III anti-icing fluid
• D. Type IV anti-icing solution

Answer: (A)

De-icing and anti-icing fluids serve different purposes in winter operations. The orange liquid is used to remove ice and snow quickly from the aircraft surface, which is why it’s the low-viscosity de-icing fluid. It’s heated and sprayed to melt ice and then runs off with the airflow, intended for rapid clearance before takeoff. After de-icing, if conditions require it, crews may apply higher-viscosity anti-icing fluids to stay on the surface longer and prevent refreezing for a holdover period. The orange color helps identify this fluid as the de-icer used for immediate ice removal, not the anti-icing fluids that are designed to stay on the surface longer.