Today's pneumatic de-icing boots are fast, reliable, have very good protection against ultraviolet rays, and can be quickly replaced if damaged. The boot inflates rapidly and can break relatively thin ice. The boots can now be activated in a precautionary mode, rather than waiting for the traditional half-inch of build-up which was necessary with the early generation boots.

Several technologies of de-icing were evaluated for the wing and tail leading edges. Pneumatic boots were determined the best choice because of advances in that technology and because of risks and disadvantages of the other systems. For instance, to use electrical heat on leading edges would sap power from the engine driven electrical generators. Using bleed air to heat the airfoil leading edges would reduce thrust, significantly increase engine ITT, and consume fuel. Impulsive as well as expulsive de-ice systems have yet to be certified and they are more expensive, heavier, and result in loss of fuel volume in the wing.