In which weather conditions is de-icing generally required?

In which weather conditions is de-icing generally required?

• A. Only during heavy snowfall.
• B. During freezing rain or below-freezing temperatures.
• C. On sunny days.
• D. Only at night.

Answer: (B)

De-icing is primarily required during freezing rain or below-freezing temperatures due to the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces, which can significantly disrupt normal flight operations. When temperatures are at or below the freezing point, moisture in the air can freeze upon contact with the aircraft, leading to the accumulation of ice. This ice can affect critical surfaces such as wings, control surfaces, and the tail, impairing the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft and presenting safety risks during takeoff and landing. Additionally, during freezing rain, the precipitation can coat surfaces with a layer of ice, further necessitating the de-icing process to ensure safe flight operations. It’s essential to address this icing condition promptly to maintain the aircraft's performance and to ensure safe operations in these specific weather scenarios. In contrast, other conditions like heavy snowfall may not require proactive de-icing if the snow is not compacted or moisture-laden, sunny days typically do not generate ice, and nighttime itself does not inherently require de-icing without the presence of relevant weather conditions.

De-icing is primarily required during freezing rain or below-freezing temperatures due to the formation of ice on aircraft surfaces, which can significantly disrupt normal flight operations. When temperatures are at or below the freezing point, moisture in the air can freeze upon contact with the aircraft, leading to the accumulation of ice. This ice can affect critical surfaces such as wings, control surfaces, and the tail, impairing the aerodynamic properties of the aircraft and presenting safety risks during takeoff and landing.

Additionally, during freezing rain, the precipitation can coat surfaces with a layer of ice, further necessitating the de-icing process to ensure safe flight operations. It’s essential to address this icing condition promptly to maintain the aircraft's performance and to ensure safe operations in these specific weather scenarios.

In contrast, other conditions like heavy snowfall may not require proactive de-icing if the snow is not compacted or moisture-laden, sunny days typically do not generate ice, and nighttime itself does not inherently require de-icing without the presence of relevant weather conditions.