AIM
3/21/24
While the efforts of the TAOS specifically focus on turbine aircraft, it is recognized that their recommendations
are applicable to and can be adapted for the pilot of a small, piston powered aircraft too.
b.
The following recommendations are offered:
1.
Ensure that your aircraft’s lift
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generating surfaces are COMPLETELY free of contamination before
flight through a tactile (hands on) check of the critical surfaces when feasible. Even when otherwise permitted,
operators should avoid smooth or polished frost on lift
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generating surfaces as an acceptable preflight condition.
2.
Review and refresh your cold weather standard operating procedures.
3.
Review and be familiar with the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) limitations and procedures necessary
to deal with icing conditions prior to flight, as well as in flight.
4.
Protect your aircraft while on the ground, if possible, from sleet and freezing rain by taking advantage
of aircraft hangars.
5.
Take full advantage of the opportunities available at airports for deicing. Do not refuse deicing services
simply because of cost.
6.
Always consider canceling or delaying a flight if weather conditions do not support a safe operation.
c.
If you haven’t already developed a set of Standard Operating Procedures for cold weather operations, they
should include:
1.
Procedures based on information that is applicable to the aircraft operated, such as AFM limitations and
procedures;
2.
Concise and easy to understand guidance that outlines best operational practices;
3.
A systematic procedure for recognizing, evaluating and addressing the associated icing risk, and offer
clear guidance to mitigate this risk;
4.
An aid (such as a checklist or reference cards) that is readily available during normal day
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to
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day aircraft
operations.
d.
There are several sources for guidance relating to airframe icing, including:
1.
http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/index.html
2.
Advisory Circular (AC) 91
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74, Pilot Guide, Flight in Icing Conditions.
3.
AC 135
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17, Pilot Guide Small Aircraft Ground Deicing.
4.
AC 135
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9, FAR Part 135 Icing Limitations.
5.
AC 120
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60, Ground Deicing and Anti
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icing Program.
6.
AC 135
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16, Ground Deicing and Anti
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icing Training and Checking. The FAA Approved Deicing
Program Updates is published annually as a Flight Standards Information Bulletin for Air Transportation and
contains detailed information on deicing and anti
−
icing procedures and holdover times. It may be accessed at
the following website by selecting the current year’s information bulletins:
https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/deicing/.
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6
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16. Avoid Flight in the Vicinity of Exhaust Plumes (Smoke Stacks and Cooling Towers)
a. Flight Hazards Exist Around Exhaust Plumes.
Exhaust plumes are defined as visible or invisible
emissions from power plants, industrial production facilities, or other industrial systems that release large
amounts of vertically directed unstable gases (effluent). High temperature exhaust plumes can cause significant
air disturbances such as turbulence and vertical shear. Other identified potential hazards include, but are not
necessarily limited to: reduced visibility, oxygen depletion, engine particulate contamination, exposure to
gaseous oxides, and/or icing. Results of encountering a plume may include airframe damage, aircraft upset,
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Potential Flight Hazards