Page 15 - Volume 13 Number 4

From the FlightSafety manual for the King Air 200/B200 in reference to prop heat.
switch in the On position. This gives him continual prop heating on both props simultaneously.
It’s a simple work-around that, in essence, converts a deice system to an anti-ice system. Of course, this only works with the single-segment system. Manual Mode in the dual-segment system requires that you hold the manual switch down to heat the outboard segments on both sides, then to push it up and hold it for the inboard segments.
I wanted to mention the rubber band idea in my previous article but I held off because it’s procedural. I’m trying to “stay in my lane” with my maintenance perspective and tips and leave the procedural stuff to Tom Clements. But then he sent me this in a recent email:
“To make (prop heat) truly an anti-Ice system I taught – only partially tongue-in-cheek – to carry a big rubber band with you and use it to hold the Manual switch up by hooking the rubber band between that switch and maybe a post light. That works extremely well with no ice chunks being liberated. (I think the only reason the system does not work that way routinely is the desire to reduce electrical load.)”
I couldn’t agree more. There are plenty of seasoned King Air pilots out there that have developed routines to accommodate the conditions they fly in regularly. When it comes to ice protection, they have considered not only props and boots, but windshield, pitot, fuel and fuel vent heating as well.
I’m always looking for topics to write about, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions. Many readers of this magazine have emailed or called me with