An anecdote from ANC 244197;

The flight crew of a US carrier landed at a Russian airport on a scheduled flight only to find that ice had fromed on the upper surfaces of the wings due to fuel cold soak. Perhaps because it was June, the Russian ground crew didn't have de-icing fluid available but they did have another kind of solution- and it worked to absolute perfection.

Tha Captain's story: "...upper wing ice formed due to fuel cold soak. No glycol at airport.....Airport possessed no fluid either.
"So, had Russian ground crew spray wings with hot water, then immediately sprayed 25 bottles of Russian Vodka on top of wings with garden sprayer. Wings were subsequently checked clear of ice. Normal takeoff.":ok:

I wonder if Russian vodka in Russia is cheaper than de-icing fluid, too? :D

KILLER ICE!
 

I am surprised?

Ice is one of the biggest killers in our industry but I am getting strong vibes that safety is over ridden by cost?

Is it not the captain who is in charge to inspect the aircraft and sign that he is satisfied that the aircraft is de-iced properly.

The visual check is one and not very reliable but the good old get me hand in it is! (Tactile Check)

I know of some Pilots who put their flasher macks and hi viz on and get of their asses and come out to check.

Other stations do also get their Engineers to do the tactile test for them as this saves time.

I saw a J41 in LBA had a lot of fluid sprayed onto it and visually it looked A1 for flying, I ran my hand over the flaps to find large patches of clear ice?

There are old pilots and bold pilots but never old bold pilots!
(Not talking of the hairless type!):ok: