Caravan Undifferentiated
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
General None Reported / Taken
Equipment / Tooling
Cessna TKS Caravan. One hour IMC flight in light icing. TKS system in normal mode overwhelmed in light icing (As usual). Pilot increased to high mode (middle TKS setting). Usual TKS odor in cockpit; noted usual TKS contamination effects. Received ATC delay vectors; due to traffic; for ILS approach in IFR conditions in snowstorm. Aircraft had 5 gallons of TKS remaining. Approximately 19 minutes of anti-icing capabilities remaining upon landing; not enough for a missed approach or alternate.Aircraft has TKS fluid range of approximately XA:20 on middle setting (high) which is usually required when encountering weather. Aircraft has one hour range in weather Due to limited TKS fluid quantity; equaling time limited icing capabilities of the C208 TKS Caravan. TKS fluid quantity should have similar required reserve requirements as fuel; but based on TKS 'High' setting (middle setting). 'Normal' TKS setting is typically used prior to encountering icing; 'High' is typically required to being overwhelmed by light ice.
The pilot of a Caravan with a TKS system reported concern over the lack of sufficient fluid supply to provide options during icing conditions. In addition; the pilot commented on TKS odor and effects.