In PHL today. Reporting 1 SM initially +PLRASN, 01/00 (temp was up and down a degree), then changed to +RAPL. In both cases, the line was long to the de-ice pad, as conditions constantly changed. We were holding on the gate and ramp was not pushing anyone unless you did not need de-ice. There was one carrier pushing stating they did not. One carrier that had several push stating "no de-ice needed" was eventually told that there OPS had directed all flights to hold on the gate. Am I missing something?? Does anyone allow "PL" to be reported that does not require de-ice?? As a new Captain, I dont see a way around it, but maybe I'm missing something...your thoughts ?? Thanks

EDIT: Although not stated, I am not just asking about a de-ice and go, but anti-ice with TYPE IV for conditions...THANKS
KPHL 291728Z 05016G24KT 7SM -RAPL SCT008 OVC012 02/00 A2988 RMK AO2 P0014 $
KPHL 291715Z 04017G24KT 2 1/2SM +RAPL BR SCT008 OVC012 01/00 A2989 RMK AO2 P0010 $
KPHL 291708Z 04015G25KT 3SM +RAPL BR SCT008 OVC012 01/M01 A2989 RMK AO2 PRESFR P0006 $
KPHL 291654Z 03018G24KT 2 1/2SM +RAPL BR BKN007 OVC014 01/00 A2992 RMK AO2 PK WND 03026/1635 PLE1559B19SNE19 PRESFR SLP130 P0016 T00110000 $
KPHL 291648Z 03016G24KT 2 1/2SM +RAPL BR BKN007 OVC014 01/00 A2993 RMK AO2 PK WND 03026/1635 PLE1559B19SNE19 PRESFR P0013 $
KPHL 291641Z 03015G26KT 3SM RAPL BR BKN007 OVC014 01/00 A2994 RMK AO2 PK WND 03026/1635 PLE1559B19SNE19 P0009 $
KPHL 291619Z 04017G25KT 5SM -RAPL BR BKN007 OVC014 01/M01 A2995 RMK AO2 PLE1559B19SNE19 P0005 $
KPHL 291614Z 04017G21KT 5SM -RASN BR SCT007 BKN014 OVC025 01/00 A2995 RMK AO2 PLE1559 P0004 $
KPHL 291559Z 05013KT 3SM -RASN BR BKN010 OVC020 01/M01 A2996 RMK AO2 PLE59 P0001 $
KPHL 291554Z 05015G20KT 1 1/2SM -PLRASN BR BKN010 OVC020 01/M01 A2997 RMK AO2 SNB17 SLP148 P0041 T00061006 $
KPHL 291534Z 04015G21KT 1SM R09R/P6000FT +PLRASN BR BKN010 OVC020 01/00 A2997 RMK AO2 SNB17 PRESFR P0011 $

 

Was the ATIS accurratley reporting conditions? I've seen PL or FZRA reported on the ATIS when there is no precip falling. We called clearance and asked the wx observer to make a new observation. He said the current one was accurate. (Maybe another part of the airport did have PL???)

Our FOM gave us authorize to over-ride the ATIS if it was inaccurate. So we did not de-ice. The wing was clean.

I'm not saying that this is what happened in your situation, just sharing an experience.

 

If a tactile check is accomplished, and nothing is accumulating on the aircraft surfaces (It's melting as it hits), why would a de- or anti ice be necessary?

 

All depends what the individual airline's HOT tables & FOM/GOM guidance say.

Back during 2007 northeast ice storms, I remember nobody could fly with ice pellets being reported...except Continental, because they PL in their HOT charts and nobody else did.

 

I had visible pellets on my wings. I don't see how others did not but maybe they didn't. We got de-iced.

Which reminds me, why are the large east coast cities so incredibly paralyzed by ice and snow events? It's not like it doesn't happen in other cities like DTW and MSP. It does and NWA would have died decades ago had they not been able to handle it.

It's pathetic how it's handled in east coast cities. End of rant.

Yesterday did suck though, what with the changing ATIS from -PLRA to +PLRA, which is a no-go. Not a good day. At least there were $$$ added to my paycheck.