What critical surface area must be inspected for ice accumulation?

What critical surface area must be inspected for ice accumulation?

• A. Landing gear only
• B. Safety zones around the runway
• C. Wing and tail surfaces
• D. Passenger entrance area

Answer: (C)

The correct response highlights the importance of inspecting the wing and tail surfaces for ice accumulation because these areas are crucial for the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. Ice accumulation can significantly alter the airflow over these surfaces, leading to a decrease in lift and an increase in drag, which can result in compromised control and potential safety hazards during takeoff and landing. Wings are particularly susceptible to ice accumulation, as they generate lift, and any distortions of airflow caused by ice can prevent the aircraft from flying efficiently and safely. The tail surfaces also play a vital role in stabilization and control; ice on these surfaces can affect pitch control and overall maneuverability. While other areas mentioned—such as landing gear, safety zones around the runway, and passenger entrance areas—are important for various operational reasons, they do not directly impact the aircraft's performance in flight in the same critical manner that iced wing and tail surfaces do. Therefore, the focus remains on these vital aerodynamic surfaces when assessing ice accumulation.

The correct response highlights the importance of inspecting the wing and tail surfaces for ice accumulation because these areas are crucial for the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. Ice accumulation can significantly alter the airflow over these surfaces, leading to a decrease in lift and an increase in drag, which can result in compromised control and potential safety hazards during takeoff and landing.

Wings are particularly susceptible to ice accumulation, as they generate lift, and any distortions of airflow caused by ice can prevent the aircraft from flying efficiently and safely. The tail surfaces also play a vital role in stabilization and control; ice on these surfaces can affect pitch control and overall maneuverability.

While other areas mentioned—such as landing gear, safety zones around the runway, and passenger entrance areas—are important for various operational reasons, they do not directly impact the aircraft's performance in flight in the same critical manner that iced wing and tail surfaces do. Therefore, the focus remains on these vital aerodynamic surfaces when assessing ice accumulation.