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Standard color of Type IV deicing fluid

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 3 of 9 on Ice and Rain Control Systems. ACS element AM.II.L.R1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAircraft deicing and anti-icing fluid colors are standardized. What is the standard color of Type IV fluid?

  1. AGreen
  2. BOrange
  3. CWhite or pale yellow
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Green

  • A — correct Type IV fluid is colored green under the standardized coloring scheme for deicing and anti-icing fluids.
  • B — incorrect Orange identifies Type I fluid, not Type IV.
  • C — incorrect White or pale yellow identifies Type II fluid, not Type IV.

BACKGROUND

Deicing fluid must be accepted according to its type for holdover times, aerodynamic performance, and material compatibility, so correct identification of the fluid in a truck or drum matters before it is applied. The coloring of these fluids is standardized to help with that identification: glycol itself is colorless, Type I fluids are orange, Type II fluids are white or pale yellow, and Type IV fluids are green. The color for Type III fluid has not yet been determined. When aircraft surfaces are contaminated by frozen moisture they must be deiced before dispatch, and when freezing precipitation exists with a risk of recontamination they must also be anti-iced. Whether the job is done in one step or two depends on the weather, the available equipment and fluids, and the holdover time to be achieved.

STUDY TIP

Learn the four-item color list as a block: glycol colorless, Type I orange, Type II white or pale yellow, Type IV green, with Type III undetermined.

KEY POINTS

  • Fluid coloring is standardized so the type in use can be identified.
  • Type I is orange, Type II white or pale yellow, Type IV green; neat glycol is colorless.
  • Fluid type governs holdover time, aerodynamic performance, and material compatibility.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch15.txt — "Deicing & Anti-icing of Transport Type Aircraft, Deicing Fluid"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON ICE AND RAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.