Flight Training - November 2012 - 40

WEATHER»

less, you could fly through very light rain, drizzle, or even snow while still maintaining the FAA’s requirements for visibility and distance from clouds. If the temperature is below 32 degrees F, rain or drizzle drops could be supercooled and freeze when they hit. Even a hint of ice beginning to form on your airplane means you need to land as soon as possible.
BEWARE MORNINGS. If you’re ever driving to the airport on a clear, cold morning thinking, What a great day to fly, unlimited visibility and calm air, you should also say to yourself: “Frost on grass is beautiful; frost on airplanes is dangerous.”

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"WATER BELOW FREEZING WANTS TO BE ICE. IT JUST HAS TO LEARN HOW."
Frost forms on grass, windows, cars, and airplanes on clear, calm winter nights when the clear sky allows heat to radiate away and no winds stir the air to mix the coldest air near the ground with warmer air a little higher up. Water vapor in the air deposits directly as ice crystals without first condensing into water and then freezing. When it forms on a white airplane, frost can be difficult to see. Wind-tunnel tests have shown that frost on the wings that is no thicker or rougher than coarse sandpaper can reduce lift by 30 percent, and increase drag by 80 percent or more. The random wing redesign caused by the ice could keep the airplane from lifting off before you run out of runway. Even worse, you might lift off in time, but unequal amounts of frost on the wings can cause the airplane to roll unexpectedly—too close to the ground for you to level the low wing before it hits the surface.
Jack Williams is an instrument-rated private pilot. His latest book is The AMS Weather Book: The Ultimate Guide to America’s Weather.

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*Not all coverages or products may be available in all jurisdictions. The description of coverage in these pages is for information purposes only. Actual coverages will vary based on local law requirements and the terms and conditions of the policy issued. The information described herein does not amend, or otherwise affect, the terms and conditions of any insurance policy issued by Avemco ® In the event that a policy is inconsistent with the information described herein, the . language of the policy will take precedence. 93% customer retention based on average 2011 monthly renewal data for the Direct Approach Aircraft Insurance Policy. Free hat offer not available in New Mexico. A subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
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Flight Training - November 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - November 2012