9.2 Weather Hazards
The weather hazard most detrimental to safe flying is icing. For years, airframe icing has been recognized as a significant aviation hazard. Icing encounters can lead to increased aerodynamic drag and weight, along with a reduction in lift and thrust. Together, these factors result in a higher stall speed and degradation in overall aircraft performance. To maintain altitude and counter the effects of drag during flight in icing conditions, the angle of attack is generally increased, and power is applied to the engine(s). This can further expose unprotected regions of the aircraft to ice accretions. If exposure is prolonged, the aircraft will lose the ability to continue stable flight Freezing temps and visible moisture are the two ingredients you need to get structural icing. The severity of aircraft icing depends on the rate of accumulation, effectiveness of available de-icing equipment and actions a pilot must take to avoid or combat accumulation of ice. The pilot determines ...