So what do we do with a snow-covered airplane to fly it? The snow pushes
off easily enough, so none of it appears to be stuck ice. Is it enough to
push it off with a broom, or should I have the FBO give it some de-ice as
well?

I trained in a Cherokee 140 that was kept outside, tied down, in Wisconsin,
in winter -- so this was a distressingly familiar situation for me.

Everything depends on the amount and kind of snow. A light, fluffy snow
can be easily brushed off with your gloves, if it's cold enough. If it's
started to melt, you might still be okay, as the top layer may have become
crusty, but the bottom (against the plane) is still fluffy. This type can
also be brushed off.

If you get a lot of snow, and it's wet, you've a real chore. Start with a
push broom, to get the majority off. (I've even had to use a shovel, if it
was completely encrusted -- but you've got to be incredibly careful.) Then
I'd go back with a regular broom, to clear out the details. Be especially
attentive to seams, hinges, and openings, as blowing snow can get inside
them.

If it's icy, you can beat the wings of a metal plane with a gloved hand, and
the snow/ice will shatter. It can then be swept away. The object is to get
the tops and leading edges of the wings and tail surfaces absolutely clear
of any snow or ice. You don't have to be quite so picky with the fuselage,
but get it as clean as you can.

I never used de-icing fluid, mostly because the little airport I was flying
at didn't have any. You can eventually remove just about any amount of
snow and ice by hand -- it's just an exercise in patience and stamina.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"