Aircraft are designed to fly clean*. All the performance calculations, e.g., rotation speed, runway length required and climb rate, assume that wings, propellers-engine intake areas and other surfaces are clean.

An aircraft contaminated with frost, ice, snow or slush is a potential hazard that runs the risk of leading to an accident. Various scenarios may unfold, depending on the degree of contamination:

• Longer takeoff roll to liftoff
• Failure to liftoff
• Lift-off, but no climb capability
• Climb, but then roll or pitch uncontrollably
• Engine power loss or failure

In this module, we will examine the effects of contamination on various critical aircraft surfaces, and the risks associated with that contamination.

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