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 from 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 third of seven tips for dealing with icing. Y'all be careful out there!

Icing Aero-Tip #3: Escape Options

Climb

When warmer temperatures can be reached aloft. Make sure cloud tops are known and attainable before attempting to climb. Icing is often worst in cloud tops. Remember once you are on top of the clouds, it is possible you may have to descend through the clouds and icing conditions into your destination.

Descend

When warmer temperatures or clear air are below. Be aware of cloud ceiling and minimum enroute altitudes prior to choosing this escape method.

Continue

When the aircraft will exit icing conditions expeditiously. This should never be the last option. 

Divert

When conditions enroute are worse than forecast. Check weather at all available alternate airports along your route of flight, and always know where you will choose to go.

Return

When conditions after departure are different or worse than forecasted. Monitoring the outside air temperature (OAT) gauge on departure will assist the pilot in forecasting any icing that may be up ahead. If the OAT is colder than forecast, it is likely that other parts of the forecast may be incorrect as well.

Declare an Emergency

When ever the safe outcome of the flight is in doubt. Icing is a legitimate emergency to deviate from your clearance.

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 and other members of the Cirrus community, for the use of the excellent SR20 icing pix...

FMI: www.cirrusdesign.com, www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa11.pdf