Definition
A thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on a surface — typically a runway, taxiway, ramp, or aircraft skin — and is nearly invisible because it takes on the color of the surface beneath it. It usually forms when moisture freezes on a cold surface, producing a smooth, glassy coating that severely reduces friction.
Plain English
A clear, see-through layer of ice that you can't easily spot because it looks like the wet pavement underneath. It's slick and dangerous precisely because you don't know it's there.
Context Anchor
Pilots may encounter black ice during cold-weather taxi, takeoff, landing, parking, or preflight movement on ramps and walkways.
Derivation
Called 'black' not because the ice itself is dark, but because it is transparent and shows the dark color of the asphalt or surface below. The name highlights the visual deception: you see black pavement, not ice.
Why Pilots Care
Black ice can cause sudden loss of traction on runways and taxiways, leading to runway excursions or loss of directional control during takeoff and landing.
Grounding Statement
If the pavement looks wet but the temperature is at or below freezing, picture a clear sheet of ice hiding on top of it.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “black ice” means dark-colored ice. Here, it means clear ice that is hard to see because the dark surface below shows through.
Example Sentence 1
The crew delayed taxi after the tower reported black ice on the parallel taxiway following overnight freezing drizzle.
Example Sentence 2
Before taxiing in freezing temperatures, the crew inspected the ramp for any sign of black ice.