ZeroPapaGolf
Line Up and Wait
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2011
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ZeroPapaGolf
Recently the NTSB has been pushing their documentation regarding ice bridging, specifically that it does not happen in turboprop aircraft, and that pilots should use deicing boots at the first trace of ice. That may work great in a modern turboprop aircraft, but its simply not true for (some?) older piston twins.
Today's flight was a great example if that. Moderate rime icing and occasional freezing rain at 10,000' (-7 Celsius). I decided to test the theory and popped the boots with less than 1/4" accumulation. Some came off, but the majority flexed away from the boot and stayed attached. Activating the boots again did not move it further. After allowing a more substantial accumulation to form, the boots easily cleared all the ice.
We're going into summertime, so this shouldn't be an issue much longer (though this is the mid-south in May and I was still finding a ton of ice, so it can happen anytime until its truly summer). It seems like the best course of action is to do as I did today, and see just how your aircraft handles shedding ice. Today was the perfect conditions for it as well, as above-freezing temps were at 8k, and tops at 11k, so escape was guaranteed if necessary. Aircraft: PA-31-310.
Today's flight was a great example if that. Moderate rime icing and occasional freezing rain at 10,000' (-7 Celsius). I decided to test the theory and popped the boots with less than 1/4" accumulation. Some came off, but the majority flexed away from the boot and stayed attached. Activating the boots again did not move it further. After allowing a more substantial accumulation to form, the boots easily cleared all the ice.
We're going into summertime, so this shouldn't be an issue much longer (though this is the mid-south in May and I was still finding a ton of ice, so it can happen anytime until its truly summer). It seems like the best course of action is to do as I did today, and see just how your aircraft handles shedding ice. Today was the perfect conditions for it as well, as above-freezing temps were at 8k, and tops at 11k, so escape was guaranteed if necessary. Aircraft: PA-31-310.