ISO 11078:2007

Overview

ISO 11078:2007 specifies requirements for non-Newtonian aircraft de-icing/anti-icing fluids designated ISO types II, III and IV. Intended for ground use on main line and regional civil transport airplanes, the standard harmonizes critical fluid characteristics to ensure safe removal and prevention of ice, snow and frost on external aircraft surfaces. ISO 11078:2007 endorses and references SAE AMS 1428 and aligns application/control methods with ISO 11076 and ICAO guidance.

Key topics and requirements

• Fluid designation and scope: Applies to non-Newtonian (pseudo‑plastic) fluids classified as ISO type II, III or IV for ground de-icing/anti-icing of transport airplanes.
• Non-Newtonian behavior: ISO types II–IV contain pseudo‑plastic thickeners (viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate) to resist frozen deposit build-up.
• Conformance to AMS 1428: The fluid shall meet the requirements of Aerospace Material Specification AMS 1428, which ISO 11078 endorses for technical characteristics and ongoing updates.
• Application and control: Methods for applying and controlling fluids must conform to ISO 11076, ICAO Doc 9640, and applicable civil aviation authority requirements.
• Limitations and operator responsibility: Applicability may be limited for specific airplane types; operators must consult the aircraft operations manual, maintenance manual and manufacturer service letters for permitted fluid use.
• Mixing caution: Products conforming to the standard are manufacturer-specific and may be adversely affected by mixing with other de-icing/anti-icing fluids.

Practical applications - who uses it

• Aircraft operators and ground handling organizations selecting approved de-icing/anti-icing fluids for international and domestic operations.
• Fleet safety managers and operations personnel developing ground icing procedures and training programs.
• Aircraft manufacturers and maintenance engineers assessing compatibility and limitations for specific airplane types.
• De-icing fluid manufacturers and suppliers certifying products to ISO 11078:2007 / AMS 1428.
• Civil aviation authorities and auditors referencing standardized fluid requirements during regulatory oversight and compliance checks.

Related standards and guidance

• ISO 11076 - Aircraft: Ground-based de-icing/anti-icing methods with fluids
• SAE AMS 1428 - Fluid, Aircraft Deicing / Anti-icing, Non-Newtonian, Types II, III and IV (endorsed)
• ICAO Doc 9640 - Manual of aircraft ground de-icing/anti-icing operations
• National guidance (FAA ACs, JAR-OPS, Transport Canada TPs) and AEA recommendations for operational procedures and training

ISO 11078:2007 is a practical reference for safe selection, specification and use of pseudo‑plastic de-icing/anti-icing fluids, supporting consistent, internationally recognized procedures and compliance.