First Officer raises concerns about rough and pitted surfaces on the wing leading edge skin surfaces of their CRJ-200's; in light of an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) that has been issued. The AD requires increased use of wing heat operations. Increased use of wing heat allegedly may cause or contribute to the noted leading edge roughness. Rough texture of paint on upper surfaces of wings also noted.

Narrative

Leading edges of wings are becoming increasingly rough. Most every aircraft is beginning to show pitting to various degrees since we started to taxi with the Wing Heat 'On'. The Wing Overheat MEL discusses this as being signs of over-heating of the wing. We have all been taught that the leading edge is very sensitive to frost and airflow separation yet the wings have the texture of frost almost always. Does this Airworthiness Directive (AD) pose a greater risk by applying heat to the wings when not needed and thus wearing out the leading edges by keeping them soft and easily damaged during taxi? During some preflights; I've encountered paint on the upper surface of the wings that is similar to non-slip paint. It has the texture of rough sandpaper or heavy frost. One CRJ-200 had a triangular patch on one wing and another CRJ-200 had a patch the full span of both wings; about one foot wide; just behind the leading edge. Maintenance was called for one and the wing was 'OK'd' with a no defect noted; though I found the same write-up later and roughness was considered outside norms and was sanded down; though was still rough when I came across it. The concern is; we are told the aircraft is very sensitive to frost and yet we are being told to fly aircraft with essentially permanent frost installed on the wings. The upper surface of our wings should be smooth and not have raised or rough paint in my opinion. Suggest seeking input about condition of wings at other companies and determine if they are seeing similar issues. Work with FAA to determine if this AD [ on Wing Heat] should be modified or rescinded; since no U.S. carrier had experience any issues that were the basis of the AD. Work with Bombardier to study the wear of the wings as related to the wing heat being applied throughout much of the winter even when not needed for the conditions due to the wording of the AD. Study the issue with Maintenance and determine what is causing paint to be applied in this condition with rough texture. Determine if this should have a performance penalty assessed to aircraft with this condition similar to aerodynamic sealant being missing. Have Maintenance adjust their practices such that the wings are returned to their original condition.