Q: What kind of fluid is used?

A: The fluid is a mixture of ethylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol and pure water. Simple as it is, the fluid is well filtered before distribution to remove even the smallest contaminants that could adversely affect the operation of a TKS^TM system.

Q: Where can I buy the fluid?

Q: How does the weight of the system affect the C.G.?

A: The effect on CG varies with individual application. Contact CAV for specific aircraft.

Q: What does it mean when the Low Pressure Light turns on?

A: The low pressure illumination can mean several things. The low pressure lights will illuminate when the system is initially turned on and will remain illuminated until the system reaches minimum operating pressure. When the system is operated at ambient temperatures above 65 degrees, the low pressure lights will not be extinguished without selecting the higher pump speed.. Low pressure light illumination in flight is an indication of either pump or line failure.

Q: What does it mean when the High Pressure Light turns on?

A: High pressure light illumination is caused by a high pressure situation in the line between the pump and the in-line filter. This indicates that the filter element needs replaced. The light would normally illuminate after approximately 80-85% of filter life. Occasionally, spurious electrical impulses will cause the high pressure light to illuminate. This can be checked by depressing the reset button located immediately below the light.

Q: Can you make a system for any aircraft?

A: Systems are designed and certified for specific aircraft. The porous panels cannot be "cut down" or "modified" to fit other aircraft. "One off" systems are cost prohibitive. Current direction of the company is to cover all current production high performance singles and work further into the twin market.

Q: Why does the fluid keep leaking out of the panels days after it is parked?

A: Panel construction has a front and back plate which forms a reservoir for the fluid. After use, some fluid remains in that cavity and as temperatures increase and the viscosity of the fluid gets thinner, the fluid bleeds out of the panel.

Q: How often do I need to run the system?

A: We recommend that the system be exercised monthly. This keeps the moving parts lubricated, the lines and panels relatively charged, and would give advanced warning of any failure.

Q: How do the panels attach to the leading edge?

A: The panels are bonded to the leading edges with a two-part adhesive. There are rivets at the corners of each panel for electrical continuity and to act as a sacrificial member if there is any galvanic action.

Q: My plane started to ice up and it took forever for the system to push the fluid out. Why?

A: Remember that the panels have a self-contained reservoir. The fluid in that reservoir dripped on your hangar floor or after the last use. Time, from activation to fluid on the panels, varies with the time of last usage. This is why the POH requires pre-flight of the system prior to flight into conditions conducive to ice formation.

Q: How do I test/pre-flight my system?

A: The system is tested on the ground by selecting the appropriate switch position on the control panel with the battery on. You will see fluid from the windshield spray-bar and can hear the selected system pump. You will also be able to hear the difference of pump speed based on selection of Maximum or Normal. A full pre-flight consists of running the pump while you do your normal aircraft pre-flight and upon completion, you should have evidence of fluid on all of the panels. This means the self-contained reservoir in each panel is filled and you should have instantaneous protection.

Q: What do I clean the panel with?

A: Water (with soaps or detergents) Ice protection fluids (As specified in Limitations) Aircraft fuels (Gasoline or Kerosene) Isopropyl or Ethyl alcohol As a general rule, if you would not put it on your Plexiglas windshield, don't put it on your TKS^TM panel.

Q: What will happen if I clean the panels with MEK or something similar?

A: You will get to pay us large amounts of money for replacement panels. TKS^TM panels have a porous PVC membrane. Anything that will affect PVC will ruin your panels.

Q: How do I prime the system pump(s)?

A: Operation of the self-priming windshield pump pulls fluid through the system pump(s) to prime the system.

Q: Where can I get the system installed?

A: CAV Aerospace, Inc.; Salina, Kansas (Contact us for other options.)

Q: Aviation fuel was pumped into my fluid tank. What do I do?

A: Although aviation fuel will not harm your system, the fuel should be drained from the tank and a new filter installed. (Contact CAV for specifics.)

Q: I need information about the warranty?

A: Systems are warranted for a period of one year from installation.

Q: Will the holes in the panels get clogged by dirt and bugs?

A: There are approximately 800 holes per square inch. The diameter of each hole is approximately 2 * thousandths of an inch. The holes are small enough that typical impacting insects do not penetrate the hole. System operation is the best method to clean a panel.

Q: The panel(s) have been scratched. How do I remove the scratches?

A: Final finish of the panels is accomplished with green "Scotch Brite" pads. Minor scratches or blemishes can be removed by gentle rubbing in the chord-wise direction. Overzealous rubbing can clog panel holes.

Q: One of the panels does not get wet with fluid and the holes do not look clogged. What is the problem?

A: Dry spots on panels is a common occurrence when the system is run at warm temperatures. As discussed earlier, the self-contained reservoirs may have air in them. At warm temperatures (i.e. low viscosity, thin fluid) the fluid may start to flow before expelling all the air in the panel. As the panel and fluid reach cooler temperatures, the air is expelled and the panel functions normally.