At what temperature range should pilots be vigilant for runback ice accretion?

At what temperature range should pilots be vigilant for runback ice accretion?

• A. -10 °C (14 °F) and +2 °C (35 °F)
• B. -5 °C (23 °F) and +2 °C (35 °F)
• C. 0 °C (32 °F) and +5 °C (41 °F)
• D. -15 °C (5 °F) and 0 °C (32 °F)

Answer: (B)

Pilots should be particularly vigilant for runback ice accretion within the temperature range of -5 °C (23 °F) to +2 °C (35 °F) because this is when conditions are highly conducive to the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces. In this temperature range, moisture can exist in the form of liquid water or as a mixture of water and ice particles, which can lead to the accumulation of ice on surfaces as the aircraft operates. When temperatures hover around the freezing point, any precipitation can create runback conditions where water can flow over wings and control surfaces, then freeze upon contact with cooler surfaces. This scenario poses significant risks such as increased drag and diminished aerodynamic performance, which highlights the critical nature of this temperature range for pilots to monitor carefully. Maintaining awareness and taking proper precautions, such as de-icing procedures and careful approach planning, becomes essential to ensure flight safety during these conditions.

Pilots should be particularly vigilant for runback ice accretion within the temperature range of -5 °C (23 °F) to +2 °C (35 °F) because this is when conditions are highly conducive to the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces. In this temperature range, moisture can exist in the form of liquid water or as a mixture of water and ice particles, which can lead to the accumulation of ice on surfaces as the aircraft operates.

When temperatures hover around the freezing point, any precipitation can create runback conditions where water can flow over wings and control surfaces, then freeze upon contact with cooler surfaces. This scenario poses significant risks such as increased drag and diminished aerodynamic performance, which highlights the critical nature of this temperature range for pilots to monitor carefully. Maintaining awareness and taking proper precautions, such as de-icing procedures and careful approach planning, becomes essential to ensure flight safety during these conditions.