Aircraft utility can go down significantly in cold weather. Adverse weather is more common and tenacious than in warmer months, and along with the fog, low clouds and wind, there is often the threat of airframe ice. Yet we still want, and sometimes feel we need, to fly. How can we balance the possibility of airframe ice with the utility of our airplanes? How do the experts-those “on a mission” with their airplanes-predict, avoid and Gary Watt
On a Mission: Managing Ice
Aircraft utility can go down significantly in cold weather. Adverse weather is more common and tenacious than in warmer months, and along with the fog, low clouds and wind, there is often the threat of airframe ice. Yet we still want, and sometimes feel we need, to fly. How can we balance the possibility of airframe ice with the utility of our airplanes? How do the experts-those "on a mission" with their airplanes-predict, avoid and escape airframe ice? To answer these questions I spoke with professionals who slog through the weather every day (and night), flying high priority aeromedical, charter and air cargo in piston, turboprop and small jet aircraft.
Key Takeaways:
- **Prioritize avoidance and rapid escape from airframe ice**, even in "known-ice" certified aircraft, by taking immediate action like climbing, turning, descending, or landing.
- **Value real-time Pilot Reports (Pireps) and a thorough understanding of weather systems** over general forecast charts for tactical icing decisions.
- **Adhere strictly to aircraft manufacturer's limitations** and implement specific tactical procedures such as maintaining minimum ice penetration speeds, staying above clouds, making continuous descents, and avoiding complex approaches in icing conditions.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
