Medium Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 127
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Gate
Staffing; Procedure
After aircraft was secured for push; we were de-iced due to overnight frost. The iceman communicated to us de-icing was complete and the aircraft was free of frozen contaminants. After engine start; the Flight Attendant called us and informed us that an overwing Passenger (who is also a Company Pilot) wanted us to know that there was still visible frost on the wings. We called the Ice Crew back and queried them and asked to be de-iced again and to make sure it was done thoroughly and correctly. During communication with the iceman; it seemed clear they were not using proper phraseology and may have been unsure as to what their exact duties were. They proceeded to de-ice the aircraft a second time and then declared they were finished. I had to query as to whether or not the aircraft was now free of frozen contamination. They declared that yes it was; and we continued uneventfullyI feel that this Atlanta Ground de-ice crew was not following proper procedures. It is obviously imperative they do a thorough job. If not for the intervention of the Company Pilot; we would have been inadequately de-iced.
Aircraft was de-iced for frost on the wings and tail at the gate by 'iceman' just prior to departure. After pushback and engine start; a Flight Attendant notified the Captain via the interphone that a Passenger felt there was still a small amount of frost left on the wing. We returned to the gate to have the aircraft de-iced once again. The de-ice crew re-de-iced the aircraft and reported that the 'aircraft surfaces were clean'.After arriving at the gate; a deplaning Passenger claimed that he believed the wings were not completely clean and that there was a small amount of frost left on the wing. (I did not meet the Passenger but was notified of the Passenger's statement by another Crew Member.)
An air crew were de-iced at the gate. After pushback; a Company Pilot riding as a passenger; reported that visible frost remained on the wings. They returned to the gate; were de-iced again and departed uneventfully.