FOREWORD

Safe aeroplane operations during all types of weather conditions are of the utmost concern to all air carriers, airport authorities, air traffic control and users of air transport services. A review of the history of aeroplane accidents in the air transportation industry revealed that a substantial number are related to winter operations. An examination of these accidents showed a need for formally developed regulations and procedures governing aeroplane de-icing/anti-icing operations directed towards all segments of aviation including aeroplane manufacturers, airline operators and engineering, maintenance and service organizations. This material was intended, in particular, for use by flight crews of all aeroplane types and categories, as well as aeroplane maintenance and service personnel.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) convened a Global De-icing/Anti-icing Task Force that met for the first time in Helsinki, Finland in September 1992. In October 1993, this task force became the IATA Global De-icing/Anti-icing Industry Forum. In a cooperative effort between IATA and ICAO, a drafting group was formed to develop a stand-alone ground de-icing/anti-icing document that would be published by ICAO. The meetings, convened throughout the year for the purpose of developing this document, were attended by representatives of civil aviation authorities, airline operators, aeroplane manufacturers, ground equipment and fluid manufacturers, pilot associations and airport authorities. The result was the publication of the first edition of the Manual of Aircraft Ground De/Anti-icing Operations (Doc 9640) in 1995. While a second edition was published in 2000, the information contained therein became increasingly out-of-date with modern methods and the document was discontinued in 2011.