As a winter storm moves across the United States, hundreds of airplanes are stuck on the ground or delayed due to heavy snow, freezing rain, and low visibility. These are all typical hazards a pilot must face with when flying in the winter.
Airplanes require airflow over the wings to create lift. When snow, frost or freezing rain build up on wings, control surfaces and propellers, the airfoils are no longer able to efficiently produce lift and an airplane becomes unable to fly. The snow or ice on the wing surface disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing and creates a very turbulent environment.
Modern jet aircraft have systems installed to combat ice accumulation on flight surfaces. Some use hot air from the engines, known as bleed air, to warm the front edges of the wings which prevents water from freezing. Others use what are known as Deicing Boots. These are rubber membranes that are filled with air to break ice free from the wing. Picture a balloon covered in ice, if you expand the balloon, the ice will crack and fall off.
Learn more about what keeps airplanes in the sky year round at a Youth Aviation Adventure near you. Youth Aviation Adventure is currently held in 23 cities across the country from Alaska to Florida and many places in between. The list grows every year, so if you can’t find a program near you now, check back frequently! https://youthaviationadventure.org