When should anti-icing fluid be applied if contamination is present?

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Anti-icing fluid is used to prevent ice from forming on critical surfaces during the period before takeoff. When contamination is present, the fluid must be applied before takeoff so the surfaces are protected during taxi, the takeoff roll, and the initial climb. This timing matters because the protection is temporary (holdover time) and relies on having the treated surface in place before lift-off; applying it during climb or after takeoff would not prevent ice effects during liftoff and could compromise performance. The option about wing cracks isn’t related to anti-icing timing.