What de-icing documentation is required as part of the preflight?

• A. No documentation required.
• B. Only log the time of de-icing.
• C. Documented only if a maintenance event occurs.
• D. De-icing/de-ice anti-ice must be completed before takeoff and documented.

Answer: (D)

De-icing and anti-icing must be performed if required and documented before takeoff. The preflight check isn’t complete unless you have a record showing that the de-icing/anti-icing was carried out, when it happened, and often what fluid or method was used. This documentation provides traceability and supports safety by confirming the holdover time (the window during which the de-icing fluid remains effective) hasn’t been exceeded. Without a documented completion, there’s no verified evidence that the aircraft departed in a properly de-iced state.

Solely logging a time isn’t enough, because it doesn’t prove that the de-icing actually occurred or that the aircraft remained within holdover limits. Documentation isn’t limited to maintenance events either; preflight de-icing must be recorded as part of normal flight operations when it’s performed.