Knowing the Known in Icing | Aviation International News

Knowing the Known in Icing

Pilots must be aware of when known icing is present and prepare

bizjet in snow — All aircraft types are susceptible to icing, both on the ground and in flight. © AdobeStock

By Julie Boatman • AIN writer

January 2, 2025

Icing’s specter looms over a wide swath of our flying lives. During the winter, we’re particularly attuned to its presence, but those conditions that constitute “icing” can occur any time of year, no matter where we fly.

As a pilot, you’re tasked to know when icing conditions are likely to exist, and whether your airplane has the approval and equipment to enter those known icing conditions. The certainty implied by the term “known” eludes most of us, however. Still, the burden is on those operating under Part 91 to weigh the risk as well as any airframe limitations on launching a flight into these conditions. If you fly under Part 135, Part 91 Subpart K, or other approval regimes, you’ll reference your operations specifications for guidance on what makes for a “no go” in times of known icing.

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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.

Julie Boatman

AIN writer

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