Piper Aircraft, Inc.: PIIPS

Now Available on the Saratoga II HP & TC and the Piper 6X and 6XT

Bad things happen to even the best pilots. And one of the worst is when the weather forecast is wrong and an unsuspecting pilot accidentally flies into icing conditions. The build up of airframe ice can be quick and dangerous. If a pilot does ever encounter ice, the first thing to do is exit the icing conditions.

The second thing to do is to activate the Piper Inadvertent Icing Protection System (PIIPS). Piper is now offering the PIIPS as an option on all factory new Piper PA32 models including the Saratoga II HP & TC and the Piper 6X & 6XT.

The PIIPS is based on the highly reliable and effective TKS 'weeping-wing' technology developed by Aerospace Systems and Technologies, Inc. The system does not give a pilot the ability to fly in or dispatch into known icing conditions, but it does provide the pilot with a proven way to stop ice formation or remove small amounts of ice should unforecasted icing conditions be encountered en route.



When activated by the pilot, the system pumps a glycol based fluid on the leading edge of the wings, horizontal stabilizer and propeller. A simple, three-position switch is used to control operation and a panel-mounted gauge shows the remaining fluid level. The pilot can select between "Off, Normal, and TKS MAX." "Normal" operation will produce a protective film of glycol that will keep the airframe free of ice for up to two hours with a full tank of fluid. Should the pilot discover that a layer of ice has already accumulated on the aircraft, the "TKS MAX" mode can be selected. This doubles the amount of glycol fluid distributed to the wings, horizontal stabilizer and the propeller slinger ring, and will effectively break the accumulated ice bond. Because the system is doubling it's flow rate, a full glycol tank will provide one hour of operation in "TKS MAX" mode. Another significant benefit to both operation modes is the elimination of any run back ice on the airframe.

	The PIIPS is a much simpler system and requires significantly less maintenance than other de-icing systems. The PIIPS features porous, laser drilled (each hole about the diameter of a human hair), titanium panels that are installed on the leading edges of the wings and horizontal stabilizer. A slinger ring is installed on the propeller. When the system is activated, a glycol based fluid 'weeps' through the panels and the slinger ring to flow over these surfaces, keeping the aircraft virtually ice free. Under normal operation this system requires a minimum of upkeep. As the system is used, it flushes out any accumulation of debris that may be on the surface of the panels. And the glycol, the main ingredient of the ice protection fluid, has cleaning properties that will not harm the paint finish on the aircraft. The only routine maintenance required is the periodic replenishing of the glycol holding tank by the pilot/operator.

With PIIPS installed, pilots and passengers will enjoy a greater sense of safety and confidence with no degradation of normal performance. The PIIPS installation has no measurable affect on the aircraft's speed or range, and it has minimal impact on useful load. The PIIPS installation adds approximately 35 pounds to the aircraft's weight, and with the glycol tank full, the total weight is around 80 pounds.

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