Iced Tea and Other Cold Drinks
by Harlan Gray Sparrow III
Reprinted with permission from FAA Aviation News
Let's face it. The only time we aviators want to
see ice is in a cold drink and not on our aircraft. So why would any sane
aviator depart knowing that icing conditions were forecast to be present along
his/her route of flight? Except for pilot reports, icing conditions are always
forecast, which means the conditions for the formation of ice on my aircraft may
be present along my route of flight. To go or not to go! The truth is that there
are many times those ice forecasts are in our weather briefings and yet we never
see any ice during our flight. So why worry? Well, it only takes one good coat
of ice on your aircraft to make a believer out of you. I decided that since
summer is almost over I should start reviewing the latest information available
on icing. Okay, maybe I'm a bit early, but as I found out there is a lot of
'stuff' to read. After a bit of Web searching I came up with a few U.S.
Government Web sites that seemed to have the most current information. There are
even a couple of interesting online courses. Check out these Web sites for
yourself.
As we are the FAA, let's discuss those sites
first. This first one is probably the best overall site in the bunch. In the
General Aviation Pilot's Guide to Preflight Weather Planning, Weather
Self-Briefings, and Weather Decision Making, each section is based on what the
pilot really needs to know in order to properly evaluate the weather for the
upcoming flight. There are references for additional Web sites that take the
reader directly to the charts, weather maps, and many other planning resources.
Appendix 6 has a very nice Weather Analysis Checklist.
When you think of weather, the National Weather
Service comes to mind as a primary source of information. Here are some of the
Web sites it has to offer.
These are just a sampling of the available
sources for preplanning your trip. Also available for checking out online are
free courses, manuals, and advisory circulars (AC) that can provide you with
more information.
The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) provide pilots with a useful training tool. The two
courses on aircraft icing offered on this site are great. Most questions about
ground icing and in-flight icing should be answered. Enjoy! The Web site address
is: https://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov.
The FAA Safety Program Online Resources offers a
variety of information and accompanying links for further guidance. The Web site
address is:
http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/onlineresources.aspx.
The FAA offers a 'Safety Alert for Operators' (SAFO)
primarily because of the recent accidents involving
ice. This Alert has a number of Web sites imbedded within the document. After
reading this, aviators should have no doubt about how much ice on the aircraft
is acceptable before takeoff. How about none! The website address is: https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos
The Aeronautical Information Manual
(AIM) is one of my favorite sources of information. In Chapter 7, 'Safety of
Flight,' paragraphs 7-1-22 and 7-1-23 address 'PIREPs Relating to Airframe
Icing.' They also give one of the best descriptions of how to define 'Icing
Types.' Check it out for yourself. When reporting ice to ATC, the definitions in
paragraphs 7-1-22 and 7-1-23 are the ones you are suppose to use when making the
report. The website address is: http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/aim_w_chgs_1-2_dtd_1-8-15.pdf.
The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical
Knowledge is another wonderful source of information in plain language.
Chapter 11, entitled 'Weather Reports, Forecasts, and Charts,' is insightful and
comprehensive. The Web site address is: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/.
Last, but certainly not the least is Aviation
Weather. AC 00-6A started in 1943 as CAA Bulletin No. 25, Meteorology for
Pilots. I have been following the changes and updates to this publication
for over thirty-five years. It continues to be a great source for basic weather
information for pilots. Pages 91 through 102 are informative about icing and its
effects on our aircraft.
The next thought will summarize, and focus, on
the preparation that can save lives. Good flight planning will not always
prevent you from getting into icing conditions at some time during your career,
but at least you will be better prepared and trained for the best possible
courses of action. To know what you will do, before the situation presents
itself, is key. Plan those moments out painstakingly.
The phrase 'knowledge is power' comes to mind.
This is applicable only if the knowledge is put to practical use. Check out
these sources and make them favorites on your Web site list. Building a resource
Web site list can only enhance and enrich your future aeronautical studies.
I wonder if getting a load of ice on your
aircraft qualifies you for a T-shirt saying 'I got Iced.'
Harlan Gray Sparrow III is an Aviation Safety
Inspector with Flight Standards Service's Air Transportation Division.
FAA Web Sites
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