Airframe icing = scary. It doesn't necessarily have to do with snow. If the airframe is wet and the temp. drops, ice forms--so it can happen in the air as well as on the ground (for example, if you fly a wet plane into a freezing air mass). The problem is that the ice changes the flight characteristics of the plane--puts the weight in the wrong places, changes the balance and shape of the wings, makes the aircraft harder to control and easier to stall. Ice that's formed swiftly collects MORE ice--a vicious circle.
I don't know anything about de-icing and I'm sure they're more competent about it in Minnesota than in Scotland, which has a climate similar to Seattle's. But you know, if the airport authority hasn't got the capability to make the plane safe, I'm always happy (or at least resigned) to wait on the ground!
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branchandroot
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Date: 2010-01-03 07:57 pm (UTC)I don't know anything about de-icing and I'm sure they're more competent about it in Minnesota than in Scotland, which has a climate similar to Seattle's. But you know, if the airport authority hasn't got the capability to make the plane safe, I'm always happy (or at least resigned) to wait on the ground!