Icing in Your Aircraft's Engine

Its that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere, when in-flight icing can be a threat. Depending on where you are and where youre going, icing may be a rare possibility during the upcoming season. It also can be a sure thing. Evaluating the possibility of in-flight icing is part of the equation-its potential impact is another. A pilot might completely overlook icings impact on other aircraft systems, including the powerplant(s). Carburetor icing should be a topic familiar to most pilots, but induction system icing can be an afterthought. And while there are systems we can activate to minimize icings impact on the induction system, we must remember they exist and know how to activate them.

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Aeroguard Flight Training Center Aeroguard

Key Takeaways:

In-flight icing presents a critical threat, impacting both aircraft structures and essential systems like engine induction, especially for aircraft not certified for flight in known icing (FIKI).
A fatal Beech B36TC Bonanza accident exemplified the severe consequences of flying into known icing conditions without adequate pre-flight weather briefings or proper use of onboard systems, leading to engine loss from induction icing.
Pilots must prioritize comprehensive weather analysis, adhere to aircraft icing limitations, and possess thorough knowledge of emergency procedures (like activating alternate air systems) to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

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It’s that time of year again in the Northern Hemisphere, when in-flight icing can be a threat. Depending on where you are and where you’re going, icing may be a rare possibility during the upcoming season. It also can be a sure thing. Evaluating the possibility of in-flight icing is part of the equation—its potential impact is another.

For example, if we’re flying a Boeing 737, a 50-percent probability of icing at 13,000 feet is a good thing to know but of little consequence. For one, the airplane is certified for flight in known icing (FIKI). For another, it likely won’t be at 13,000 feet for very long.