Definition
A component in a pneumatic deicing system that directs pressurized air to inflate the rubber deicer boots on the leading edges of the wings and tail in a timed sequence, then vents the boots to deflate them. The valve cycles air to different boot sections in a programmed pattern so that ice is shed in stages rather than all at once.
Plain English
A valve that takes incoming air and sends it to the rubber boots on the wings and tail in turns, inflating each one at the right moment to break ice off, then letting the air back out so the boot lies flat again.
Context Anchor
Seen in maintenance and system descriptions for aircraft equipped with pneumatic deicing boots on the wing or tail leading edges.
Derivation
Distributor comes from the Latin distribuere, meaning to divide and hand out. The valve distributes a single air supply among several boot sections, handing each one its turn.
Why Pilots Care
Proper operation prevents uneven fuel delivery that can cause rough running, power loss, or cylinder damage.
Grounding Statement
Picture the rubber boot on a wing leading edge puffing up to crack ice, then being pulled flat again so the wing keeps its normal shape.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an electrical distributor or a valve that simply splits flow evenly. Here, distributor means a valve that routes air to selected deicing boot sections in a planned sequence.
Example Sentence 1
When the pilot turned on the deicing system, the distributor valve began cycling air to each boot section in turn.
Example Sentence 2
A clogged distributor valve can cause one cylinder to run lean while the others receive normal fuel flow.