Abstract: A method for managing icing conditions on a rotary aircraft via one or more ice protection controllers. The method includes steps for receiving an icing condition signal from an icing rate sensor at an ice protection controller, determining, in response to the icing condition signal, a de-icing signal based at least in part a liquid water content (LWC). The method further includes steps for transmitting, via a digital communication bus disposed in at least part of a slip ring assembly, the de-icing signal to a upper distributor to cause the upper distributor to transmit power to one or more heating elements for a respective rotor blade.