Technology
Airframe icing is one of the major threats in the aviation industry. It is the accumulation or build-up of ice on surfaces of an aircraft making flights hard. ice collects and seriously hampers the functioning of wings control surfaces, pilot antennas, propellers and air intakes which may result in engine failure. Aircraft structures that are prone to airframe are those with thin leading edges, e.g. rudders, propeller edges and landing gear struts. Airframe icing changes the shape of lift characteristics, the lift loses left by 30% and picks up drag by more than 40% thus reducing the airspeed of the aircraft .the tail also stalls leading to loss of lift forcing the pilot to raise the Nose to maintain the altitude of flight, There is also increased weight on the plane hence reduced altitude .the remedy fo this is to increase power and retract flaps to the last position and also reduce speed. The pilot should aim at increasing the angle of attack since it lowers the downward force that lowers the tail by putting down flaps.
Other effects of airframe icing are; reduced thrust that forces the pilot to use full power and a higher attack angle to maintain altitude., It changes the airfoil cross-section hence destroying the lift of the aircraft. It also causes propeller vibration that causes undue stress on the blades and engine mounts, leading to possible failure.
In conclusion, the pilot should change flight routes to evade ice accumulated atmospheres. Aircraft should be fitted with improved de-icing equipment to clear off the ice and enhance windshield visibility. The plane wings should be devoid of ice when taking off, and in cases where the aircraft is coated with ice, it is advisable to apply more power when landing to prevent risks of invisibility caused by airframe icing.