A meeting of the SAE International G-12 technical committee was held in Montreal, Canada. The committee brings together specialists involved in the development and revision of technical standards, guidance documents and procedures for the ground deicing of aircraft.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Transport Canada, aircraft manufacturers Boeing, Embraer, Beechcraft and Lockheed Martin, research laboratories, deicing fluid manufacturers, airlines, and airports across North America and Europe.

Shakhzodbek Bakhtiyarov, an Aviation Inspector from the Department of Aerodromes and Ground Handling of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), represented AAK at the meeting. He presented Kazakhstan’s experience in the safety oversight of aircraft ground deicing operations, the training of qualified personnel, and ensuring the quality of deicing fluids used in operations.

The discussions covered approaches to monitoring deicing quality, risk management, fluid testing, and the determination of fluid holdover times. In addition, working contacts were established with the chairs and experts of SAE G-12 committees, and clarifications were obtained on matters related to improving national requirements.

For Kazakhstan’s aviation sector, which operates through long winter seasons and challenging weather conditions, these matters are of considerable practical importance. The materials and expert guidance obtained may be used to update regulatory requirements, improve inspector oversight practices, revise personnel training programmes, and enhance operational procedures at airports. The proper selection of deicing fluids and effective quality control are particularly important, as they play a key role in protecting aircraft before departure.

Direct dialogue with standards developers and research organizations helps assess new solutions considering Kazakhstan’s operating conditions. Information on forthcoming changes enables the timely updating of national requirements and helps prepare airports and service providers for their practical implementation.