FAA clarifies ‘polished frost’ rule | Aviation International News

FAA clarifies ‘polished frost’ rule

The FAA issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 06014) that seeks to clarify the conditions under which pilots can take off with frost adhering to ai

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

November 6, 2006

The FAA issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 06014) that seeks to clarify the conditions under which pilots can take off with frost adhering to airframes. At the same time, the SAFO might complicate the pre-takeoff decision-making process because it reminds pilots that takeoff with frost adhering to lifting surfaces and flight controls is legal.

FAA regulations (Part 91.527 and 135.227) permit takeoff with frost on the wings or stabilizing or control surfaces “if the frost has been polished to make it smooth.” While this seems to be a clear statement, the SAFO recommends that pilots do not take off with polished frost unless they have complied with an aircraft manufacturer’s specific procedure for preparing a frost-covered aircraft for flight.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Battery Fire at Archer’s San Jose Lab Forces Evacuation

Three people were hurt and about 100 evacuated after a test pack overheated

Archer’s battery pack production line

Piper PA-46 Owners Enjoy PMOPA Convention Benefits

M-Class owners gathered in Colorado Springs for annual convention

PMOPA Convention at Cutter Aviation Colorado Springs

Wyvern Pushing Safety as Hot Topic during NBAA-BACE

Wyvern COO Andy Day is incoming chair of NBAA’s safety committee

Changing the Gotta-land-it Mindset

Runway overruns cut across aircraft types and crews

Falcon on runway

MD Onboard Absorbs STAT-MD’s Aviation Services

Move creates a major force in aviation medicine consulting

MD Onboard control center

Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption

Questions arising over FAA's review of pertinent accidents

Article preview image

AINsight: Does Pilot Flight Time Equate to Competency?

Not all logged flight hours are created equal

Pilots in cockpit

FAA Rescinding Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions

Action comes after a review found widespread noncompliance and safety issues

Citation jet bird strike through flock of birds