WINNIPEG – This winter has been a challenge at airports across North America.
United Airlines cancelled flights in and out of Winnipeg earlier this winter because of bone chilling temperatures and ice crystals.
The mercury is finally climbing but ice is still a threat to planes. That means the de-icing crew at Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport is busy.
“If we didn’t do what we do, the planes unfortunately wouldn’t be able to leave,” said Servisair’s Jarvis Christensen.
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Not every aircraft gets de-iced. It is up to the pilot to request it at the airline’s expense.
“If the aircraft isn’t clean as requested, there could be an ice build up and weigh the aircraft down causing problems in take off and landing,” said Jeff Burtch, the de-icing operations manager.
The de-icing crew will work on between 30 to 40 aircraft in a typical day. The busiest day so far this season saw the crew handle 70 planes.
“Last year, we had a record season,” said Burtch. “We went though almost 6,000 aircraft.”
The colder it is outside, the more glycol, or de-icing fluid, will be used.
What is left on the ground gets sucked up and eventually converted to antifreeze or windshield washer fluid.
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