Ice protection safety paramount; FAA weighs in on top pilot questions

This past week, the FAA's Small Airplane Directorate in Kansas City published a discussion of the causes for accidents during icing conditions that is particularly timely for winter flying.  CAV Aerospace Inc., the TKS™ ice protection experts, wants to make certain that pilots have the advantage of a full and frank discussion about the challenges of flying in icing conditions.

The FAA Safety Team (FAAST) addresses what every pilot should know about cold weather flying.  The FAAST Team Notice focuses on a number of significant topics related to flight in icing conditions, including the answers to these important questions.

1. What is the latest trend in icing related accidents?

2. What causes accidents in icing conditions?

3. What should I know about airplane icing certification?

4. Can I use the autopilot in icing conditions?

5. Is pneumatic boot "ice bridging" a concern?

6. What about Ice Contaminated Tailplane Stall (ICTS)?

7. What certification testing is done to show airplanes without ice protection equipment can safely exit an inadvertent icing encounter?

According to the FAA, "Icing accidents are often the result of poor understanding of the airplane's limitations and performance in icing conditions, misconceptions of airplane and system icing certification, incomplete pre-flight weather briefings, and a misunderstanding of icing terminology."

CAV Aerospace offers TKS™ ice protection on aircraft ranging from single-engine pistons to mid-sized jets. Join more than 4,000 aircraft owners who have peace of mind provided by TKSTM ice protection systems.

"CAV Aerospace's TKSTM advantage applies precision-crafted titanium technology to leading edges, which distribute complete ice protection coverage to critical aerodynamic surfaces," says CAV Aerospace Inc. President Kevin Hawley.  "CAV's system let's you use full engine power just not possible with electric systems. With our proven ice protection solution, you are good to go."

For the complete FAAST Team Notice go to the FAA's web site at www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2008/Nov/GAIcing.pdf.