Rime Ice

Rime ice is a rough, milky, and opaque type of airframe icing that forms when small supercooled water droplets freeze almost instantly upon striking the aircraft surface. It typically accumulates on the leading edges of wings and struts. Air becomes trapped in the rapidly freezing droplets, giving rime ice its characteristic milky appearance.

Key Points

• •Forms from small supercooled water droplets, often found in stratiform clouds.
• •Freezes instantly upon impact, trapping air pockets that give it a milky, opaque appearance.
• •Builds up primarily on leading edges of wings and struts.
• •Generally easier to remove with de-icing equipment than clear ice.

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