Ready For A Chill?
For those of us who have "hit the boots" (or the equivalent
system on your favorite bird) a few times in the last few days due
to the ever-present seasonal 'charms' of in-flight icing, we
thought a series of short tips form Cirrus Design's Scott Winter
(yes, that IS his real name) might help us all to consider some of
the realities of this time of year. So... here is the second of
seven tips for dealing with icing. Y'all be careful out there!
Icing Aero-Tip #2
If you inadvertently enter icing conditions, your primary
responsibility is to maintain control of the aircraft. Activate all
anti-icing and de-icing equipment. If equipped, turn cabin heat on
full defrost, turn on the pitot-heat, and activate the alternate
induction air. Communicate the state of your situation to air
traffic control. Clearly state the urgency of your situation.
Accidents have happened because the pilot did not effectively
convey their intentions and assistance needed in icing conditions.
When requesting altitude changes, advise ATC that you will accept a
heading or course change to expedite the altitude change. This may
help ATC get your altitude change even if there is other traffic
around.
Once in icing conditions, there are six possible outs available
to you: climb, descend, continue, divert, return, or declare an
emergency. Pilots should evaluate their route of flight, alternate
airports enroute, and all weather resources prior to departing to
confirm outs available. Once icing is encountered is not the
correct time to begin evaluating available outs. Be proactive in
your flight planning. It will increase flight effectiveness and
ensure that you do not back yourself into a position with no escape
methods left to exit icing conditions. Some possible ideas are to
fly VFR underneath ice containing clouds, remain in VFR conditions
on top of iced up clouds, or even land short and rent a car to
continue onto your destination.
About Scott Winter
At the time that this series was authored, Scott was a member of
the Flight Standards Department at Cirrus Design Corporation in
Duluth, MN (one of those places that see more than its fair share
of icing encounters). Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, he
discovered his passion for aviation at an early age. After
obtaining his Private Pilot Certificate prior to his senior year in
high school, he attended Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU)
and graduated with a Bachelor's degree majoring in Professional
Flight. In December 2006, he completed his Master's of Science
degree from MSU spending time focusing on aviation weather,
scenario-based training, and visualization techniques to enhance
the methods used to educate aviators.
Note: ANN thanks Cirrus Pilot William Dobson
for the use of the excellent SR20 icing pix...
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