What is the stated minimum speed in icing conditions?

What is the stated minimum speed in icing conditions?

• A. 100 knots
• B. 150 knots
• C. 200 knots
• D. 250 knots

Answer: (C)

In icing conditions you must keep enough airspeed to maintain a safe margin above the iced stall speed. Ice on the wings degrades lift, raises the stall speed, and can reduce control effectiveness. The 200-knot minimum is chosen to ensure you stay well above the increased stall speed and retain adequate handling and energy to maintain safe flight while ice is present. Speeds like 100 knots would risk a stall once ice builds up; 150 knots may still leave insufficient margin; 250 knots, while safe from stall, isn’t the stated minimum and isn’t necessary for normal operation. So, 200 knots is the appropriate minimum in icing conditions.

In icing conditions you must keep enough airspeed to maintain a safe margin above the iced stall speed. Ice on the wings degrades lift, raises the stall speed, and can reduce control effectiveness. The 200-knot minimum is chosen to ensure you stay well above the increased stall speed and retain adequate handling and energy to maintain safe flight while ice is present. Speeds like 100 knots would risk a stall once ice builds up; 150 knots may still leave insufficient margin; 250 knots, while safe from stall, isn’t the stated minimum and isn’t necessary for normal operation. So, 200 knots is the appropriate minimum in icing conditions.