Hello again guys, hey when does the pilot know when to switch the PITOT HEAT and the DE-Icing on?

Question

is it only when the OAT is below 32Farenheit/0Celcius, and when in cloudy weather? Thanks for your answers...

Answer 1

my pitot heat is on at +5c and visible moisture.

Answer 2

Most airlines use visitable moisture (clouds, rain, snow, slush on the runway/taxiway) with a temperature of +10C to -40C to turn on the engine and wing/tail anti ice.  On transport category airplanes the pitot heat and windshield heat are on if the airplane is in the air.

Many new airplanes have an automatic ice detection system that will detect ice and turn on the engine and wing/tail anti ice system.

Answer 3

Most large aircraft Pitot Heat is turned on during the "Line up" Checklist, immediately prior to take off. It remains on all the time during flight.

As long as there is airflow over the Pitot tubes to prevent overheating.

The rule for engine anti ice or wing anti ice is 8 degrees C or below and visible moisture.

Engine anti ice can be turned on during taxi. Then a visual check for icing just prior to take off.

Wing Anti ice is not turned on until right after take off. It uses to much bleed air from the engines that would effect take off performance.

Answer 4

Its best to turn it on once there is ANY potential for icing to occur. Prevention is better than cure.

Answer 5

Pitot heat is a runway item in jets.