Dont Mess with IceI enjoyed the Me Too letter by Harry Dill in the July issue. I think we tend to forget that moderate ice is not like moderate turbulence. It is right below severe. Also, we all talk about how unpredictable ice is, so having forecast or PIREPed moderate ice turn into severe is common. Oh, and really bad. Harry gave good consideration to clouds and icing, and he made it out okay. However, I would not mess with moderate ice at all. Stick with trace and light, and maybe the worst youll see is moderate. Harry can stop at our place in Maryland for a crab cake and wait for better weather on his way up coast from North Carolina.
Pilots should treat "moderate" ice with extreme caution, as it is highly unpredictable and can quickly become severe, making it advisable to avoid such conditions altogether.
Preferences for in-flight weather data sources vary, with some pilots favoring high-resolution, subscription-based satellite systems (XM/SiriusXM) for ground access and detail, while others prioritize lower-cost, ADS-B (FIS-B) options or integrated panel-mounted solutions.
Always filing IFR, regardless of weather conditions, is recommended to ensure familiarity with the system, reduce workload during actual instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and enhance overall flight safety.
For Part 91 operations, while pilots can initiate an approach regardless of reported weather minimums, they are still legally required to have the necessary *flight visibility* (as determined by the pilot) per 91.175(c)(2) to continue to a landing.
I enjoyed the “Me Too” letter by Harry Dill in the July issue.
I think we tend to forget that “moderate” ice is not like “moderate” turbulence. It is right below “severe.” Also, we all talk about how unpredictable ice is, so having forecast or PIREPed moderate ice turn into severe is common. Oh, and really bad.
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