Michael S. lives in West Virginia and primarily flies up and down the East Coast, from New York to Florida. He is the owner of a 1988 Beechcraft 58 Baron with FIKI-certified TKS Ice Protection.
How did you get started in aviation?
I took a flying lesson in 1994. From then on I was hooked.
Why did you choose TKS?
I met someone who had TKS. They said it was great, so I installed it on the A36 Bonanza in 1996 and loved it. Then I got a Baron which had boots. 11 years ago, I got TKS when I repainted and got a new interior for the Baron. I always wanted to put it on, I was just waiting for the right time.
What did TKS do for your mission?
It has allowed me to do missions I would not have, and gets me out of icing situations where boots did not do as good of a job.
Have you had any memorable experiences with TKS?
Having to go to 18,000 feet to get out of icing, yeah. I had a dangerous situation with boots but never with the TKS.
Have you flown in aircraft with other ice protection system(s)?
Yes, my Baron had boots. TKS is a gazillion times better.