Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

When flying in icing conditions, what is one effective way to minimize ice accumulation?

1. Reduce airspeed immediately.

2. Use de-icing equipment regularly.

3. Climb to a higher altitude.

4. Avoid clouds and precipitation.

The correct answer is: Use de-icing equipment regularly.

Using de-icing equipment regularly is an effective way to minimize ice accumulation when flying in icing conditions. The de-icing systems are specifically designed to remove ice that forms on the aircraft’s critical surfaces during flight, such as the wings and tail. These systems can include heated surfaces, pneumatic boots that expand to break ice, or chemical spray systems that prevent ice from forming in the first place. While reducing airspeed, climbing to a higher altitude, and avoiding clouds and precipitation might help to some extent, they do not provide the same level of immediate and consistent protection against ice buildup as de-icing equipment does. For example, reducing airspeed can alter aerodynamics but may not remove existing ice. Climbing can occasionally help if the temperature is warmer at a higher altitude, but this is not a guaranteed solution, especially if ice is already accumulating. Avoiding clouds and precipitation is a preventive measure but is not always feasible during flight operations. Therefore, using de-icing equipment is the most direct and effective method to combat ice accumulation in-flight.