The article details four distinct icing intensities—Trace, Light, Moderate, and Severe—each with specific accumulation rates and operational implications.
Each intensity dictates the required pilot action, from optional anti/de-icing for trace/light icing to mandatory anti/de-icing or immediate diversion for moderate and severe conditions.
Accurate PIREPs include both icing intensity and duration (occasional, intermittent, continuous), providing critical information for proactive decision-making and flight safety.
Understanding the four different intensities of icing allows for better decision making and better PIREPS.
Trace— Icing is barely perceptible and doesn’t require the use of anti/de-icing equipment for over an hour. On graphical PIREPs, the symbol for trace icing is a green ‘”U.”
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
