CFI Instrument Practical Test Standards,
FAA-S-8081-9B, June 2001
II. Technical Subject Areas
A. Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment
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3. Anti-ice/deicing and weather detection equipment and their operating characteristics
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a. Airframe - structural icing
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1) Accumulation of ice on exterior surface of aircraft
2) Requires
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a) Visible moisture (coulds, rain)
b Freezing temperatures
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a) Rime
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i) Small droplets that freeze immediately
ii) Milky white, rough looking
iii) Especially on leading edges of wings and struts
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i) Relatively slow freezing of large droplets
ii) Can spread over large surface, changing shape of airfoil
ii) Clear, hard to see, most dangerous
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i) Mixture of clear and rime
ii) Ice particles embedded in clear ice, very rough
OAT (°C) range | Icing type |
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-10 to 0 | Clear |
-15 to -10 | Mixed |
-20 to -15 | Rime |
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a) Control problems due to change in airfoil shape
b) Changed stall angle of attack and increased stall speed
c) Decreased lift
d) Increased drag
e) Blocked or limited control surfaces
f) Increased weight
g) Roll upset caused by airflow separation which induces self deflection of ailerons
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a) When operating in visible moisture, anticipate ice by monitoring OAT
b) Proper use of anti-icing/deicing equipment is critical. Refer to POH/AFM
c) Activate appropriate anti-icing/deicing when OAT is 5°C or less before entering visible moisture
d) Use flashlight to check for ice on night flights
e) Pilot actions once airframe ice ammumulation begins
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i) Move to altitude with significantly colder temperatures
ii) Move to altitude where temperatures are above freezing
iii) Fly to an area clear of visible moisture
iv) Change heading and fly to area known to be free of ice (e.g., consider 180° turn)
v) Consider immediate landing at nearest suitable airport
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a) Not designed for operation in icing conditions indefinitely
b) Intended simply to allow pilot more time to get out of the icing conditions
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a) Flight into known icing conditions is prohibited
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"Known icing does not mean a near-certainty of icing conditions, only that icing conditions are being reported or forecast."
- NTSB
c) Windshield defrost air is supplied to outlet on top left side of antiglare shield. Activate by rotating DEFROST knob.
d) Inadvertent icing encounter in Cessna TR-182
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i) Prop anti-ice ON
ii) Pitot heat ON
iii) Turn back or change altitude
iv) Cabin heat full ON, windshield defrost ON
v) Increase RPM to minimize prop ice
vi) Beware carb ice. Apply carb heat only as required. Lean mixture if carb heat used continuously
vii) Plan landing nearest suitable airport or "off airport" site
viii) Beware: ¼ inch or more on leading edge significantly increases stall speed
ix) Leave flaps retracted UP
x) Open window, scrape ice if practical for landing visibility
xi) Approach with forward slip if needed for visibility
xii) Approach 85-95 KIAS
xiii) Land in level attitude
References:
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Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15, 1999
The Instrument Flight Manual, Sixth Edition William K. Kershner, 2002
Aircraft Icing, AOPA Safety Advisory
AC20-113 Pilot Precautions and Procedures to be Taken in Preventing Aircraft Reciprocating Engine Induction System and Fuel System Icing Problems
AC91-51A Effect of Icing on Aircraft Control and Airplane Deice and Anti-Ice Systems
AC91-74 Pilot Guide: Flight in Icing Conditions