This is the seventh installment of a seven-part series “TKS – A Clear Solution to Icing,” by Jeffrey Brewer, CEO/Founder of Connecting Aviators.

It makes sense that an aircraft builder based in Minnesota wouldn’t just slip up on the idea of ice protection. For decades, Cirrus airplanes have flown with an ever-evolving clear solution for ice.

Summary Cirrus SR22 TKS System by Airplane Generation

Year	Generation	Type TKS Design	TKS Tanks	Gallons	Normal Flow
2002 – 2006	G1- G2	Inadvertent Icing	1	2.9	60 minutes
2007 – 2009	G3	Inadvertent Icing	1	3.5	80 minutes
2009 & later	G3 – G6	FIKI	2	8.0	2.5 hours

Conclusions

Today, innovations in GA weather products, improved forecasting, better equipment and increased pilot knowledge are helping to mitigate the hazard of ice. 

In 2020, Cirrus released a completely revised professional Icing Awareness Course for owners of the FIKI-certified SR22. The course covers system components, recommended procedures and real-world scenarios to improve pilot critical decision-making skills.

Flight into forecasted or known icing introduces a hazard. Cirrus emphasizes the intent of its ice protection system is not continuous operation in icing, but a time allowance and added safety margin for escape should icing conditions be encountered.

The Author:

Jeffrey S. Brewer is CEO and Founder of Connecting Aviators® which launched in 2020 and provides the only social networking app dedicated to pilots to help them find, connect and share their passion for flying. The app provides the tools to help pilots lower their flying costs and access planes with improved safety features.

We all have connections. But aviators express a unique connection with the sky, with modern flying chariots and with those that delight in flights through the heavens. Connecting Aviators is the Vision.

Brewer is instrument rated and has more than 2,200 hours in piston planes, including Bonanzas, Cirrus, Cessnas and Pipers. He is a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Bonanza Society, Experimental Aircraft Association, and Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association.

© Copyright 2014 – 2023, Jeffrey S. Brewer, all rights reserved

This is the sixth installment of a seven-part series “TKS – A Clear Solution to Icing,” by Jeffrey Brewer, CEO/Founder of Connecting Aviators.

It makes sense that an aircraft builder based in Minnesota wouldn’t just slip up on the idea of ice protection. For decades, Cirrus airplanes have flown with an ever-evolving clear solution for ice.

Flash Evaporation – Watch It

Some pilots have reported seeing an opaque, gel-like substance on the windshield or wings. Flash vaporization of water and alcohol from the anti-icing fluid may occur if the system is operated for extended time in clear air, at high altitude and very cold temperatures (e.g., ~15,000 feet; -4° F; 20° C). Flash evaporation results in a glycol-rich fluid that may become gel-like on the wing surface until the aircraft enters precipitation or warmer temperatures.

Caution: If the membranes behind the titanium panels are not kept wet from regular system operation, then fluid delivery might be uneven, resulting in delayed coverage on some surface areas. And extra fluid could be consumed trying to obtain adequate coverage. Note, TKS fluid has a limited useful life and will degrade over time. Owners should follow manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure the system is safely maintained.

© Copyright 2014 – 2023, Jeffrey S. Brewer, all rights reserved