Anyone got any statistics for how many pitot elements get "burned out" at organisations where it is SOP to fly with Pitot Heat On at all times?
I suspect that the heaters get burned out by those who rarely use the Pitot Heat and then omit to switch it off in the after landing checks.
If the SOP is to use Pitot Heat at all times then after landing checks will include Pitot Heat Off.
All professional pilot schools where I have either been a pupil or student have taught Pitot Heat ON. As has been said it's not just a question of ice dispersal but also precipitation.
The penalties for not using Pitot Heat can be high - remember the B727 that was lost which got into deep stall because they were on climb out with the heaters off!