What is a common characteristic of an effective pneumatic deicer system?

An effective pneumatic deicer system is characterized by having a fast inflation time. This speed is crucial because ice can form quickly on airfoils during flight, which can significantly affect the aircraft's performance and safety. A system that inflates quickly can efficiently break the ice away from the surfaces before it impacts the aircraft's aerodynamics.

When the inflatable boots of the deicer system are deployed rapidly, they create a sudden change in pressure that helps dislodge ice. This quick action is vital, especially in conditions where ice can accumulate rapidly during flight, allowing the aircraft to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Although other characteristics like low operational cost, reliability under heavy load, and minimal maintenance are important for the overall effectiveness of any system, they do not directly relate to the primary function and immediate necessity of deicing when it comes to the speed of operation.