Definition
The accumulation of ice on the external surfaces of an aircraft in flight or on the ground, formed when supercooled water droplets or visible moisture freeze on contact with the airframe, propellers, engine inlets, or other exposed parts. Icing changes the shape of lifting surfaces, adds weight, increases drag, reduces lift, and can block sensors, control surfaces, and engine airflow.
Plain English
Ice building up on the outside of an aircraft. It changes how the aircraft flies, makes it heavier, and can block important parts like instruments and engine intakes.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather, instrument flying, and preflight planning discussions, especially when flying in clouds or precipitation near freezing temperatures.
Derivation
Icing comes from ice. In everyday use, icing can mean a sweet topping on a cake, but in aviation it means ice forming on the aircraft itself.
Why Pilots Care
Ice changes the shape of wings and control surfaces, reducing lift and increasing drag to the point that control can be lost.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying through a cold cloud and seeing ice start to build on the wing or windshield; that is aircraft icing.
Intuition Check
Aircraft icing does not mean the outside air is simply cold. It means ice is actually forming on the aircraft, usually because cold moisture is hitting the aircraft and freezing.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot diverted to a lower altitude after encountering aircraft icing in the clouds.
Example Sentence 2
Pre-flight inspection revealed clear ice on the leading edges after the aircraft had flown through freezing drizzle.