On Friday, the FAA issued a new rule that requires Part 121 operators to install ice-detection equipment in their existing fleets or to update their flight manuals to make sure crews know when they should activate their ice-protection systems. While the rule applies only to in-service airliners weighing less than 60,000 pounds, corporate and charter aircraft operators of aircraft under this weight limit should take note since studies show these airplanes are more affected by undetected icing or late activation of the ice-protection system. “This rule incorporates the latest research on aircraft icing,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “Making sure protection systems are turned on when icing conditions are detected will help eliminate accidents that can occur if pilots fail to turn on the ice protection soon enough.” For aircraft equipped with an ice-detection system, the new rule mandates that the system alert the crew every time they need to activate ice protection. The system can either turn on the ice protection automatically or pilots can activate it manually. For aircraft without ice-detection equipment, the crew must activate the protection system based on cues listed in their airplane’s flight manual during climb and descent, and at the first sign of icing when at cruising altitude. The FAA said this rule addresses a longstanding NTSB recommendation.
Also Noted…
More In Regulations and Government
