EASA SIB 2011-22: Ground and Airborne Icing

What to do

Operators should verify aircraft certification for known icing conditions and review aircraft flight manual limitations regarding freezing precipitation. They should develop or amend ground and flight procedures to avoid dispatch or takeoff in freezing rain or drizzle when possible, ensure proper de-icing before departure, and train flight crews on icing condition recognition and response. Additionally, operators must consider runway conditions, holdover times, and emergency procedures related to icing. No specific compliance deadlines are stated.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No: 2011-22 titled 'Ground and Airborne Icing' addresses safety concerns related to aircraft operations in freezing rain and freezing drizzle conditions. It applies to all aircraft certificated in any category and highlights that some aircraft certified under Appendix C to CS 25 may not be adequately protected against super-cooled large droplets (SLD) icing conditions. The bulletin provides guidance for European operators and flight crews to enhance safety during ground and airborne icing scenarios.

What changed

This new safety information bulletin introduces EASA's views and recommendations following Transport Canada's CASA 2011-01 alert on freezing precipitation hazards. It emphasizes the limitations of current Appendix C certification standards regarding freezing rain and freezing drizzle and highlights the complexity of icing conditions that may exceed certification envelopes. The bulletin does not mandate changes but advises operators to review and potentially update procedures related to icing conditions.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it raises awareness of the risks posed by freezing rain and freezing drizzle, which can degrade aircraft performance, increase pilot workload, and affect safety during takeoff and flight. Understanding these risks helps operators, maintenance organizations, and flight crews better prepare for and mitigate icing hazards, ensuring safer operations and compliance with certification limitations. It also underscores the need for proper ground de-icing and anti-icing procedures to maintain aircraft safety.