Safety Spotlight
Aircraft Icing
A layer of ice no thicker or rougher than a piece of coarse sandpaper can reduce lift by 30 percent and increase drag up to 40 percent. Even aircraft equipped for flight into icing conditions are significantly affected by ice accumulation on unprotected areas such as antennas, flap hinges, wing struts, cowlings, etc. To learn more, check out the free resources below.
Resources
Accident Case Study: Airframe Icing
Ride along for this chilling re-creation and analysis of an accident that occurred when the pilot of a Cirrus SR22 encountered unforecast icing over the Sierra Nevada mountains (approx. 20-30 minutes). Take the Course >>>
Weather Wise: Precipitation and Icing Online Course
Too many pilots underestimate the dangers of precipitation and icing—and an alarming number become accident statistics as a result. Take this course to learn how to recognize the hazards of precipitation and ice, develop a strategy for avoidance, and react appropriately if you encounter unexpected conditions (approx. 45 minutes). Take the course >>>
SkySpotter: Pireps Made Easy Online Course
Created by pilots, for pilots, pireps are a great source of real-time, in-flight weather conditions-offering a "sneak peek" of what you'll encounter in flight. This course covers how to get, use, and give pireps to help you become a better SkySpotter (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take the course >>>
"It's A Drag" Pilot Safety Announcement (PSA)
You wouldn’t run a marathon and add layers of clothing at each water stop. That’s about how much sense it makes to fly into icing conditions—none. This Pilot Safety Announcement illustrates how ice accumulation on your aircraft will rob it of performance. Check it out >>>
Real Pilot Story: Icing Encounter
The Cessna 172 pilot learned some valuable—and nearly fatal—lessons when he encountered an icy winter storm over the mountains near Bedford, Pennsylvania (approx. 12 minutes). Hear the pilot tell the story >>>
Aircraft Icing Safety Advisor
Winter flying brings the potential for encountering icing conditions in flight. Do you know how to anticipate areas of probable icing? Is your aircraft's anti-icing equipment enough to provide safe flight through ice-laden air? How can you know if your aircraft is accumulating ice on areas you can't see—like the propeller or the tail? This Safety Advisor discusses icing and provides tips on how to avoid this potentially deadly foe. (PDF file—442KB) Download it now >>>
Aircraft Icing and Deicing Equipment Safety Advisor
If you shell out thousands of dollars for deicing equipment—whether on a new airplane or retrofitted to an existing older aircraft—you should reasonably expect your investment to see you safely through icy clouds or other freezing precipitation, right? (PDF file—354KB) Download it now >>>
Cold Facts: Wing Contamination Safety Brief
During the last 10 years, there have been over 30 accidents on takeoff as a result of wing contamination by snow, frost, and ice. A few simple steps during preflight could have easily prevented these accidents. Download it now >>>
Aircraft Icing Definition and Risk Table
Take a look at temperature and precipitation combinations most conducive to aircraft icing, and brush up on definitions pertaining to ice intensity levels and types. Download a quick reference Icing Definition and Risk Table now >>>
ASF Safety Quizzes
Aircraft Icing
Don't let ice surprise you! Aircraft icing is one of flying's biggest hazards. Take this quiz to refresh your knowledge of aircraft icing and get tips on how to avoid it.
Ice, frost, and snow can accumulate on wings and other surfaces when an aircraft is parked outside on the ramp. The disrupted airflow can substantially alter flight characteristics. Do you know what to look out for on preflight?
Updated January 7, 2010
