Over a period of years, the Cirrus Aircraft team engineered the TKS anti-icing de-icing option into a full system required for flight through known icing. The Cirrus FIKI system has additional and upgraded components over the previous basic inadvertent ice protection systems.
The industry term is Flight Into Known Icing or “FIKI.” But Cirrus emphasizes their intent for use of the system is not to allow you to fly into ice but to give you more time and added margins to escape ice should you encounter it.
- In 2009, Cirrus announced the FIKI system and priced it as a $24,500 option.
- In 2007, Cirrus introduced the redesigned G3 wing with enhanced inadvertent ice protection.
- In 2002, Cirrus released basic inadvertent ice protection as an option on Generation 1 (G1) planes.
Summary Cirrus Aircraft TKS De-Icing Systems
| Year | Generation | TKS System | TKS Tanks | Gallons | Normal |
| 2009 | G3-G5 | FIKI | 2 | 8 | 2.5 Hrs. |
| 2007 | G3 | Inadvertent Icing | 1 | 3.5 | 80 minutes |
| 2002 | G1-G2 | Inadvertent Icing | 1 | 2.9 | 60 minutes |
The first Generation Cirrus TKS system has an operating time in normal mode of 60 minutes but while in “maximum” setting it’s limited to about 30 minutes. This TKS system was also an option on G2 planes.
The Generation 3 (G3) Cirrus de-icing system was expanded to cover the entire wing. It’s TKS titanium panel begins at the wing root and extends from there to the wing’s outer edge. Normal mode should be selected when conditions for icing are encountered and before ice accretion. The Cirrus G3 TKS system operating time in “normal” mode is up to 80 minutes. If ice has accreted to flight surfaces the TKS maximum mode should be selected. The TKS operating time while in “maximum” mode is up to 40 minutes.
In 2009, FIKI became the standard Cirrus TKS system. The entire system was re-engineered and new components were added. More TKS panels, back-up pump and higher flow rates. Pilot’s have an enhanced system display on the MFD which shows you the amount of fluid in each tank, and available de-icing time at the three flow rates (normal, high and maximum). The system will even display aircraft de-icing range available based on the operating rate selected.
There’s more fluid capacity in the FIKI to address the hazard of ice. Each wing has a 4-gallon TKS tank that when filled gives the system up to 2.5 hours of operation. Automatic cycling between the tanks will keep the fluid levels roughly even.
Warning:
- The G1, G2 and G3 inadvertent icing systems are not approved for Flight Into Known Icing Conditions.
- The G1 & G2 inadvertent icing system does not have a primer pump. If the system has been run dry it could have air in the lines which might prevent delivery of TKS fluid. Follow the POH guidance, (which has to be done on the ground before flight), to ensure the system is safely primed.
- If the TKS membranes behind the panels are not kept wet from regular system use fluid delivery might be uneven, delayed or prevented and/or extra fluid maybe consumed to obtain adequate surface coverage.
- TKS fluid has a limited useful life and will degrade. Follow the POH & manufacturers recommendations to ensure the TKS system is safely maintained.
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