TKS Report Card: Works as Advertised

While your number one tools for navigating icing conditions are gray matter and a good mental map of the weather, deicing equipment opens up a world of options. Flights that would be preemptively cancelled can be attempted and situations that would be emergencies turn into calm requests for a new altitude. Deicing options are largely set by the airframe, with only a few models having certification for both boots and the TKS weeping wing. In November 2008, we picked TKS as the better choice. We still think so, and in our recent survey, most owners agree. While not without drawbacks, most pilots are happy with the system and accept its tradeoffs.