Definition
A category covering the different forms of ice that can accumulate on an aircraft in flight, primarily structural icing (rime, clear, and mixed), induction icing (carburetor and air intake), and instrument icing (pitot, static port, and antenna). Each type forms under specific temperature and moisture conditions and affects the aircraft in distinct ways, including added weight, disrupted airflow, blocked engine air, and erroneous instrument readings.
Plain English
The different kinds of ice that can build up on an airplane while flying, where each kind forms differently and causes a different problem.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather, instrument flying, and in-flight icing discussions when a pilot is learning what kind of ice may form on the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Each type reduces performance and handling differently, guiding decisions on equipment use and flight continuation.
Grounding Statement
When an aircraft flies through cold clouds or freezing precipitation, liquid water can freeze onto the aircraft and create different-looking forms of ice.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “icing” only means a smooth layer of frost. In this context, it means ice forming on an aircraft in flight, and the “types” describe how that ice forms and behaves.
Example Sentence 1
During the weather briefing, the instructor reviewed the types of icing the student might encounter on the cross-country flight.
Example Sentence 2
Mixed icing increased drag faster than either clear or rime alone during the approach.