A Pilot's Guide to Inflight Icing

Module I - Before You Fly

Know Your Capabilities

Section: Aerodynamics of Icing - Overview

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Although it may seem obvious that large amounts of ice can degrade the performance of an aircraft, it is not so obvious that a small amount of ice can have a substantial adverse effect on an aircraft's performance and handling. Yet it can. Relatively small amounts of ice can cause substantial degradation in performance. But icing can cause handling anomalies – even wing or tail stalls – before its effects on performance become readily apparent.

Trace rime ice on wing

Trace rime ice on wing

Trace ice on tail

Trace ice on tail