Clear Airframe Ice

Clear airframe ice is a severe form of airframe icing characterised by a smooth, glossy, and transparent layer of ice. It forms when large supercooled water droplets strike the aircraft and spread rearward over the surface before freezing completely. It is considered the most dangerous form of airframe icing because it is heavy, difficult to see, and significantly alters the aerodynamic profile of the aerofoil.

Key Points

• •Forms from large supercooled water droplets, commonly found in cumuliform clouds.
• •Droplets spread over the aerofoil before freezing, altering the aerodynamic profile.
• •Heavy and difficult to see, making it the most hazardous form of airframe icing.
• •Very difficult to remove with standard de-icing equipment.

Related Terms