Aircraft de-icer installer

Aircraft de-icer installers assemble, install, test, maintain and repair mechanical de-icing and anti-icing systems that prevent ice accumulation or formation on aircrafts and spacecrafts.

Aircraft de-icer installers work outdoors in all weather conditions, including cold, rain, snow, and ice. They must be able to work in confined spaces, such as the space under an aircraft’s wing, and must be able to lift and move heavy equipment.

Aircraft de-icer installers typically work 40 hours per week, but they may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays, especially during the winter months. The work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, but it is also exciting and fast-paced.

The duties of an aircraft de-icer installer include, but are not limited to:

• Installing deicing equipment such as chemical tanks and pumps on aircraft, as well as testing equipment for leaks or malfunctions
• Observing the weather conditions to determine when deicing is needed, as well as communicating with other airport personnel regarding the status of planes
• Preparing aircraft for takeoff by inspecting surfaces for ice accumulation or standing by with fire extinguishers to put out small fires that may start due to friction between the plane and the runway surface
• Marking runway lines with flags to indicate where planes should stop or begin takeoff or landing
• Mixing chemicals to create deicing solutions according to manufacturers’ specifications
• Installing deicing boots on wings or tail assemblies to prevent ice from forming on sensitive areas of an aircraft during flight
• Clearing snow and ice from aircraft using brooms, shovels, and other tools such as air-powered spray nozzles
• Inspecting aircraft for damage caused by water leaks or small cracks in the fuselage or wings that can lead to large structural failures in flight
• Coordinating with maintenance crews to ensure that deicing equipment is working properly and that chemical storage areas are secure from damage caused by leaks or spills

The following job titles also refer to aircraft de-icer installer:

aircraft de-icing equipment installation technician
spacecraft de-icer installer
aeroplane de-icer installer
aircraft de-icing equipment technician
aircraft de-icing equipment fitter
aircraft de-icing equipment installer

Aircraft de-icer installers are typically required to have a high school diploma. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science or another related field. Those with a degree in aeronautical science can expect to learn about aerodynamics, aeronautical engineering, aeronautical systems, aeronautical meteorology, aeronautical navigation, aeronautical physiology, aeronautical technology, aeronautical engineering, aeronautical flight and aeronautical communications.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aircraft de-icer installer is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aircraft de-icer installer.

aircraft gas turbine engine overhaul technician
aircraft assembler
aircraft engine assembler
motor vehicle parts assembler
electromechanical equipment assembler

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aircraft de-icer installer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of aircraft de-icer installer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

pneumatic engineering technician
aircraft engine tester
avionics inspector
aircraft engine inspector
rolling stock engine tester

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aircraft de-icer installer.

• Electromechanics: The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
• Aircraft mechanics: Technicalities over mechanics in aircrafts and related topics in order to perform a wide range of repairs in aircrafts.
• Quality standards: The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
• Common aviation safety regulations: The body of legislation and regulations that apply to the field of civil aviation at regional, national, European and International levels. Understand that regulations aimed at protecting citizens at all times in civil aviation; ensure that operators, citizens, and organisations comply with these rules.
• Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

These skills are necessary for the role of aircraft de-icer installer.

• Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
• Align components: Align and lay out components in order to put them together correctly according to blueprints and technical plans.
• Use power tools: Operate power driven pumps. Use hand tools or power tools. Use vehicle repair tools or safety equipment.
• Wear appropriate protective gear: Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
• Read standard blueprints: Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
• Read engineering drawings: Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
• Fasten components: Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.
• Use technical documentation: Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
• Apply health and safety standards: Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft de-icer installer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Electric current: Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.
• Engineering processes: The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
• Pneumatics: The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft de-icer installer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Install pneumatic systems: Install systems and components that use pneumatics to create mechanical movements such as air brakes, pneumatic cylinders, air compressors and other systems.
• Install bleed air systems: Install de-icing systems that use compressed air from the engine compressor sections to de-ice the plane or parts of the plane.
• Install electrothermal de-icing systems: Install systems that use an electrical current to de-ice planes or parts of planes.
• Conduct performance tests: Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.
• Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
• Keep records of work progress: Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
• Install deicing boot: Install rubber deicing boot on the wings of aircraft according to blueprints and technical plans.

7232 – Aircraft engine mechanics and repairers

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References

1. Aircraft de-icer installer – ESCO
2. Aircraft Deicer Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
3. Featured image: By Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0