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Where the Ice Lives

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The flight was complicated by encountering unexpected ground frost at the first stop, requiring immediate de-icing and quick departure.
  • En route, the aircraft experienced varied in-flight icing conditions, from trace rime to severe clear ice/freezing rain, necessitating multiple altitude changes to escape.
  • A sudden destination runway closure forced a diversion, during which the pilot had to adapt approach procedures (e.g., no flaps, higher speed) to safely land with potential airframe ice.
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When traveling via personal piston airplane without so much as a heated prop, we know the drill if there’s airframe ice: Get an immediate route amendment, an altitude change, or both. Escape icing conditions or at least keep the problem from getting worse, then work on a diversion if needed. Just remember that there are trips when this isn’t just a one-time deal…

Two Delays

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