When is the wing anti-ice system typically activated?

The wing anti-ice system is typically activated in severe weather conditions, particularly when flying through conditions that may lead to icing on the wings. This system is crucial for maintaining safe flight levels by preventing ice accumulation, which can significantly alter the wing's aerodynamic properties and reduce lift.

During flight operations, especially in clouds with supercooled water droplets, activating the wing anti-ice system is essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent any adverse effects that ice formation might have on the aircraft's handling and stability. The system uses hot air from the engine to heat the leading edges of the wings, helping to mitigate the risk of ice buildup during critical phases where the risk of severe conditions exists.

Activating the system at other times, such as before takeoff or during descent, may not be necessary unless specific conditions warrant it. After landing, the need for anti-ice systems generally diminishes as the aircraft is typically no longer exposed to the conditions that promote icing. Therefore, the best time to activate the wing anti-ice system is indeed in response to severe weather conditions.