Flying in snow
01-11-2012, 08:55 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 650
Flying in snow
So with the winter here what are your thoughts on flying in snow? Once during my instrument training we had snow at altitude and my instructor (retired A/F) said it wasn't an issue becuase it was already frozen. We were in it for about 10 minutes and it didn't collect on the wings so it seemed reasonable what he said. Also we could have dropped down in altitude if it did collect so it wasn't an issue then. Just wondering about what you all think.
01-11-2012, 09:24 AM
#2
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2011
Position: 172 SIC
Posts: 30
Snow is only a visibility obstruction issue aloft. What you have to avoid is icing aloft. Snow won't accumulate on your aircraft in flight. Snow just flows around your aircraft just like it does in your car. With that said, make sure you remove it ALL before you try to fly the aircraft if it accumulates on the ground. Fairly often there is a layer underneath that will not blow off. Ice is what you need to be concerned with assuming you are instrument competent and equipped.
01-11-2012, 01:31 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: G550 & CL300 PIC
Posts: 369
I agree that the snow will not adhere to the wings. However the FAA considers this icing conditions. Unless you are approved for flight into known icing conditions then you shouldn't go in my opinion.
01-11-2012, 01:48 PM
#4
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: 737 CA
Posts: 2,575
Depending on the temps and the wetness of the snow, it could be an issue. Are you flying in warm air below cold air? Cold air below warm air? Is the snow melting or freezing? Are you a jet (ram rise temps) or a GA aircraft? It is icing conditions. Be careful. There are too many variables to say its ok or not ok for you.
01-11-2012, 03:42 PM
#5
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Joined APC: May 2010
Posts: 165
Flying through snow is generally ok. Ive done it plenty of times in GA aircraft. It's especially cool at night with the landing light on - looks like a scene from star wars where they going into light speed!
Seriously though, just keep your eyes peeled on the OAT. Don't be surprised if you start seeing ice build up at +3C on your wings. Keep asking ATC and flight watch for recent pireps and where the freezing level is.
I hate icing.
Seriously though, just keep your eyes peeled on the OAT. Don't be surprised if you start seeing ice build up at +3C on your wings. Keep asking ATC and flight watch for recent pireps and where the freezing level is.
I hate icing.
01-11-2012, 05:56 PM
#8
Flying Farmer
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: Turbo-props' and John Deere's
Posts: 3,160
Originally Posted by chritz1179
So is snow considered a known icing condition? If so then a standard instrument certified ga ex c182 can't legally fly in the snow?
As far as flying through it, not a problem as long as you aren't right at the freezing level. Wet snow can stick, but if it's snowing all the way to the surface, very unlikely you'll run into it.
01-12-2012, 03:49 AM
#9
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2006
Posts: 650
Originally Posted by Ewfflyer
As far as flying through it, not a problem as long as you aren't right at the freezing level. Wet snow can stick, but if it's snowing all the way to the surface, very unlikely you'll run into it.
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