During the winter months, Spanish airports face one of aviation’s most overlooked yet crucial challenges—ice buildup on airplane wings. Even if passengers don’t notice it, such weather conditions become a real test for pilots and ground crews. This issue is especially pressing at night, when temperatures drop sharply and a thin, but dangerous, layer of ice forms on the wing surfaces.
Alfonso de Bertodano, a Boeing 787 captain and psychologist, has spent years helping people conquer their fear of flying. This time, he explains what happens to an aircraft before takeoff when temperatures are below zero. According to him, ice can form on the wings just as quickly as it does on a car windshield left out on a frosty night.
The pilot emphasizes that if even a small layer of ice appears on the wings, the aircraft cannot take off. Ice disrupts aerodynamics and could have serious consequences. That’s why, before every winter departure, the crew must wait for a special procedure—de-icing treatment, when the wings and other surfaces are sprayed with a solution that melts existing ice and prevents it from reforming before takeoff.
Ground procedure
Spanish airports use special vehicles to combat ice buildup—you’ll often see them early in the morning or late at night when temperatures drop below zero. These vehicles approach the aircraft and spray a special solution on the wings and tail. The process takes just a few minutes, but without it, takeoff is not possible.
The pilot notes that while modern planes are equipped with their own anti-icing systems, using them on the ground is strictly prohibited. The reason is simple: these systems work by generating heat, and if they’re turned on before takeoff, they could damage the wing structure or even cause a fire. That’s why only ground crews handle de-icing procedures before departure.
Once the wings are treated, the crew receives clearance for takeoff. Only in the air, as the plane gains altitude and speed, can pilots activate the onboard ice protection systems. Until then, safety relies entirely on the work of ground staff.
Onboard systems
Once the aircraft is in the air, things change. The onboard anti-icing systems operate automatically or at the pilot’s command. They heat specific areas of the wings and other critical structural components to prevent ice from forming during the flight.
But on the ground, these systems remain inactive. This rule applies in every country and to all types of modern passenger aircraft. Violating it can cause serious technical issues and even lead to accidents.
The pilot emphasizes that passenger safety always comes first. So even if there is a short delay for de-icing, it is done solely in the interest of flight safety.
Winter challenges
Winter weather conditions require extra attention from pilots and maintenance crews. Every flight on a frosty night is not just a technical check, but a coordinated team effort. Proper aircraft preparation before departure ensures not only passenger comfort, but also their safety.
Passengers can only trust the professionals and remember: even if you see your plane being sprayed with a strange liquid before takeoff, there’s no cause for concern. On the contrary, it is a sign that all safety measures are being followed and your flight will go smoothly.
