Definition
In aviation, ice refers to the solid form of water that accumulates on aircraft surfaces — particularly wings, control surfaces, propellers, and engine inlets — when supercooled water droplets or moisture freeze on contact. Even a thin layer alters the shape of the wing, disrupts smooth airflow, increases weight and drag, reduces lift, and lowers the angle of attack at which the wing stalls.
Plain English
Frozen water that builds up on the aircraft. Even a small amount changes how the wing flies, making the airplane heavier, slower, and much easier to stall.
Context Anchor
Seen in stall, preflight, and cold-weather flying discussions, especially when checking that wings and control surfaces are clean before takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Ice raises stall speed and can cause sudden loss of lift or control, especially during approach or in clouds.
Grounding Statement
A wing that looks only lightly frosted can still act very differently because the airflow no longer follows the surface smoothly.
Intuition Check
Do not assume ice has to be thick or obvious to matter. In this context, ice includes thin frost or rough frozen deposits that can seriously reduce wing performance.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight on a cold morning, the pilot found a thin layer of ice on the wings and had the aircraft de-iced before taxiing.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot diverted to avoid further ice accumulation that would have further increased stall speed.