Proper De-Ice, Anti-Ice Fluid Colors:
I am a De-Icer in the N.E. USA. I found it pretty cool to see De-icing as something not left out in this game. However It could use some more detail, both to make it look better and to make the minigame a little easier.At my station (and most of my company) we use Type 1 and 4 De-ice/Anti-Ice Propylene Glycol Fluid. Which are Orange and Green respectively. As the names suggest, Type 1 De-Ice fluid is the wash and Type 4 Anti-Ice is the wax so to speak which prevents more accumulation from adhering to the wings and tail up until takeoff speed. Where It then rolls off the surfaces and the plane looks normal.
It would be nice to see the automatic process spray an orange color and slowly coat the plane over time in orange, and then if possible show the wings and tail getting covered in green. Some planes that are usually on the smaller side take type 4 along the top of the fuselage as well. In my experience this is anything of the E145/CRJ2 size and below. I have not deiced any turboprops in my 7 years of doing this so they may have a different application process. For the ease of animation its probably easier to coat the whole plane, or just wings and tail in green Type 4. Then on takeoff the type 4 could start to dissolve/fade off the plane as its in the air.
Some Airports have dedicated De-Icing pads. IAD has this in game but is not functional. It would be an interesting mechanic once you tap “Start Deicing” the aircraft is pushed back and sent to those pads to be de-iced. Allowing gates to be used quicker.
The minigame seems to be broken at the moment, as well as being super difficult because of the almost transparent snow and deicing spray. Changing the snow to be a little darker on the aircraft, and or having orange coat the aircraft to give more visual feedback would be nice. The Deicing timer is also the same for all aircraft. Good luck deicing a 777 in 2 minutes IRL!
My suggestion:
De/Anti-Icing Fluid colors, Orange and Green are applied over the animation time.
- Type 4 (Green on Wings & Tail) dissolve/shears off the aircraft as it takes off.
- Minigame would show more noticeable snow, the fluid would also visually be orange to make it easier.
- Deicing equipment could become a limited resource much like other GSE
- Minigame Deice time could be a little longer for larger aircraft, scaling depending on class
Explain how this would be implemented from a gameplay or UI perspective.- Dedicated Deicing pads for compatible airports
Why is this a good idea?
I believe offering more visual clarity for the minigame and automated process would add to the atmosphere of winter time operations. Airports with dedicated Deicing pads would benefit from increased capacity and shorter turn times when fully developed. Deicing is critical to the safe flight of ALL aircraft in winter conditions.
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Optional: Image or reference
My Deicing Video:** https://youtu.be/wMe9X7C97I0?si=aDC-qCz5uoV6T6kX
