Icing conditions to avoid and what anti-ice or de-ice methods are available in light aircraft?

• A. Icing with visible moisture at temperatures that allow ice to form; anti-ice/de-ice systems include heated surfaces or boots where installed.
• B. Icing occurs only in freezing rain; anti-ice systems are only on high-end aircraft.
• C. Icing is never a concern in daylight operations.
• D. De-ice systems are not required in light aircraft.

Answer: (A)

Icing forms when you encounter visible moisture—clouds, fog, rain, or snow—and the air temperature is at or near freezing, so ice can accumulate on wings, propellers, windshields, and other surfaces. This changes the airflow, increases stall speed, and reduces lift and control, so you should avoid those conditions or use approved anti-ice or de-ice gear if you must fly there.

In light aircraft, anti-ice and de-ice options typically fall into heated surfaces or inflatable boots. Heated leading edges or other surfaces (electric or bleed-air) keep critical areas above freezing, and heated windshields aid visibility. Boots—rubber leading-edge panels that inflate—provide a de-ice action by cracking ice off the wing surfaces. Other components like heated pitot tubes or carburetor heat address ice in specific systems.