Snow-covered mountains in Utah. [Courtesy: Scott Dennstaedt]
Key Takeaways:
Flying through snow alone, particularly below cloud base and not mixed with other precipitation, is generally not considered a significant airframe icing hazard in flight due to kinetic heating (ram air rise) on leading edges.
The risk of icing increases significantly if snow is mixed with liquid precipitation like freezing rain, or in scenarios involving induction icing or ground contamination on aircraft surfaces.
While not a primary airframe icing threat in flight, heavy snow can severely reduce visibility, cause disorientation, and lead to hazardous, slick runway conditions.
Answer: There is an opinion in the aviation community that flying through snow is not only an icing hazard but also against FAA regulations for pilots in aircraft without a certified ice protection system. Keep in mind that each weather system is unique, and there are many exceptions to the general view presented here.
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Scott resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and flies regularly throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. He is a CFI and former NWS meteorologist. Scott is the author of "The Skew-T log (p) and Me: A Primer for Pilots" and the founder of EZWxBrief.
