Definition
A meteorological situation in which structural icing is forecast or reported across a large geographic area or significant range of altitudes, such that an aircraft cannot reasonably climb, descend, or deviate around the icing without remaining in or re-entering it.
Plain English
Icing conditions that cover such a large area, or so many altitudes, that a pilot cannot easily fly around, above, or below them.
Context Anchor
Seen during weather briefings, route planning, and go/no-go decisions when clouds or precipitation are expected in freezing temperatures.
Why Pilots Care
Widespread icing raises the probability of ice accumulation over much of a planned route, often requiring rerouting, altitude changes, or flight delays.
Grounding Statement
Picture a route where most of the clouds ahead are cold enough to freeze moisture onto the airplane, not just one small cloud that can be flown around.
Intuition Check
“Widespread” does not mean ice is guaranteed at every exact spot. It means the weather pattern covers enough area that icing may be found in many places, so avoidance or escape may be difficult.
Example Sentence 1
The forecast showed widespread icing conditions from 4,000 to 16,000 feet across the entire route, so the pilot canceled the flight.
Example Sentence 2
Because of widespread icing conditions along the airway, the flight was postponed until warmer air moved in.