Pre-takeoff contamination inspection

Inspect for contamination immediately before takeoff whenever frost, ice, or snow could reasonably stick (CAR 602.11(4)). Serves the clean aircraft concept; takeoff ban taught in air-law/icing-conditions.

Critical surfaces (CAR 602.11(1)):

• wings
• control surfaces
• rotors
• propellers
• horizontal and vertical stabilizers
• any other stabilizing surface
• anything else the aircraft flight manual names as critical

Who may inspect (CAR 602.11(5)):

• pilot-in-command
• flight crew member the PIC designates
• another person the operator designates who has completed training in ground/airborne icing or aircraft surface contamination

PIC can accept a report from qualified personnel instead of checking personally.

Timing:

• Ground icing: TC reads "immediately prior" as within 5 minutes of starting take-off roll (TP 10643, para 86).
• Take-off cannot start within that window after inspection: return for deicing/anti-icing (TP 10643, after para 87).

Look and feel, not just look:

• Cold-soaked ice on upper wing is difficult to see, often "cannot be detected other than by touch with the bare hand" (TC AIM AIR 2.12.2, TP 10643).
• Hand-check doubtful surfaces:

(TP 10643, para 114)

What you can see (TP 10643):

• Underside of wings and landing gear visible from cockpit only on high-wing aircraft. Other types: only part of upper wing surface may be in view.
• Any surface not treated with FPD fluid: look for melting snow and possible refreezing; remove any ice taxi itself induced.

Cannot confirm aircraft clean: take-off must not be attempted. PIC ultimately responsible (TP 1102).

Trap: "immediately prior to take-off" is not a walkaround an hour ago; the 5 minute window runs to the start of the takeoff roll, not engine start or taxi.

Practice