Airframe Icing Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Rime Ice?
Rime ice is formed by the instantaneous freezing of small supercooled water droplets (skin temperature less than 0°C).
Rime ice typically occurs in layer-type clouds such as stratus.
Describe the appearance of Rime Ice.
Rough, milky, and opaque - looks like the inside of a freezer.
This visual characteristic helps distinguish it from other types of ice.
What type of clouds typically produce Rime Ice?
Layer-type clouds such as stratus.
These clouds provide the conditions necessary for the formation of supercooled water droplets.
How would you characterize the adhesion and brittleness of Rime Ice?
Not very adhesive and brittle.
These properties can affect how Rime Ice interacts with surfaces it forms on.
What is the common icing level associated with Rime Ice?
Light to moderate levels of icing.
This level of icing can impact aviation and other activities in cold weather.
What is Clear Ice?
Formed when large supercooled water drops slowly freeze to the aircraft (skin temperature less than 0°C)
Clear Ice is particularly dangerous as it can lead to significant performance issues for aircraft.
What are the characteristics of Clear Ice?
Smooth and transparent
Clear Ice is considered the most dangerous type of icing due to its properties.
When is Clear Ice especially likely to form?
Especially just below freezing with large supercooled water droplets
This condition increases the risk of icing during flight.
What is a notable feature of larger accumulations of Clear Ice?
Presence of upper and lower ‘horns’
The horns are indicative of significant ice buildup on the aircraft.
True or False: Clear Ice is the least dangerous type of icing.
False
Clear Ice is actually the most dangerous type of icing.
What type of ice is likely to occur in Cu and CB clouds?
Severe clear ice
Severe clear ice occurs in temperatures between 0° C and -25°C.
What weather phenomena often cause clear ice?
Freezing rain and freezing drizzle
These conditions lead to the formation of clear ice.
In which types of clouds is clear ice most commonly found?
Cumuliform clouds
Cumuliform clouds are characterized by their heap shape and vertical development.
Where in cumuliform clouds is clear ice typically the worst?
Near the tops of the clouds
This is where the strongest vertical currents are present.
What type of clouds are known for producing severe clear ice?
Lenticular clouds
Lenticular clouds are well known for their severe icing conditions.
What is a characteristic of severe clear ice regarding its impact on aircraft?
Very heavy and may affect control surfaces
Severe clear ice buildup is unlikely to flake off when it becomes significant.
Fill in the blank: Severe clear ice is likely to occur in Cu and CB clouds in temperatures between _______ and _______.
0° C and -25°C
These temperature ranges are critical for the formation of severe clear ice.
What type of clouds tend to form clear ice?
Cumuliform clouds
Clear ice formation in cumuliform clouds can occur in any season.
At what temperature is the worst icing found in cumuliform clouds?
Between 0°C and -10°C
This temperature range is critical for avoiding severe icing.
What type of ice tends to form in stratiform clouds?
Rime ice
Rime ice formation is characteristic of stratiform clouds.
When is ice accumulation greatest for rime ice?
Between -10°C and -20°C
This temperature range indicates conditions for maximum rime ice accumulation.
What should a pilot do to avoid the worst icing conditions?
Climb above or descend below specified temperatures
This strategy helps to escape severe icing conditions.
Which type of equipment is most effective at removing rime ice?
Anti-ice and de-icing equipment
These systems are designed for effective ice removal during flight.
