Originally Posted by
DeadHead
How much frost are we talking about?
It's acceptable to take off with a small amount of frost on the aircraft wing. The rule of thumb most pilots use is if you can see through the frost to the skin of the aircraft then it is acceptable.
Anything thicker than that is usually when it's time to visit the deice pad.
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I don't know which airline you fly for, but at NWA (and DAL?) we are prohibited from taking off with ANY frost on the wings/tail. Some frost is allowed on the body as long as it does not extend below the windows. Light frost is acceptable under the wings of some airplanes (DC-9) due to cooling/condensation of the fuel tanks...not normally a problem in the winter
Bottom line got frost? - get deiced (besides we're paid by the minute aren't we?)