HEATING THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL USING ELECTRIC HEATER(S) FOR THERMAL ANTI-ICING SYSTEM

A method is provided during which a preform is provided that includes an electric heater (44) and thermoplastic material. The preform is consolidated to provide an aircraft component (22). The consolidating includes heating the thermoplastic material using the electric heater (44). The electric heater (44) is embedded within the thermoplastic material of the aircraft component (22). The electric heater (44) is configured as a part of a thermal anti-icing system (24) for melting and/or preventing ice accumulation on an exterior surface (28) of the aircraft component (22).