Plain English Meaning

Rubber covers on the front edges of the wings and tail that puff up with air to crack off ice that has built up in flight, so the wind can blow it away.

Full Definition

Inflatable rubber strips bonded to the leading edges of an aircraft's wings, stabilizers, and sometimes other surfaces, used to remove ice that has formed during flight. Compressed air is cycled through tubes inside the boot, causing it to expand and contract. This flexing cracks the accumulated ice, which is then carried away by the airstream.

Context Anchor

Seen in aircraft systems, icing procedures, preflight inspections, and operations in visible moisture near or below .