Before departure, heated glycol-based fluids remove ice and snow from aircraft surfaces. Anti-icing is applied afterward to prevent ice buildup.

As winter continues, icing conditions present a serious challenge for pilots. In early January 2025, airports like Schiphol, Frankfurt, and Helsinki faced major disruptions due to heavy snow and icy conditions. In the U.S., thousands of flights were canceled due to severe winter storms. While passengers experience delays—de-icing can add 40 minutes or more—pilots must manage the serious risks of ice accumulation. Pilots battle icing conditions daily to ensure flights remain safe despite extreme weather.

Managing these risks requires more than just de-icing and anti-icing procedures. Pilots must monitor changing conditions, adjust altitude or course, and sometimes divert flights to avoid hazardous icing zones. Without quick and informed decisions, ice accumulation can severely impact aircraft performance and flight safety.

“At BAA Training, we emphasize rigorous training to ensure pilots are well-prepared to navigate these winter hazards and maintain safe operations,” says Deputy Head of Training BAA Training, Captain Cristian Puig.

The Pilot’s Role in De-Icing and Anti-Icing Before Departure

Before departure, heated glycol-based fluids remove ice and snow from aircraft surfaces. Anti-icing is applied afterward to prevent ice buildup. Specialized teams handle de-icing, but pilots oversee the process. They inspect for ice and determine if de-icing is necessary. The pilot in command makes the final call and monitors holdover time—the period anti-icing remains effective—to ensure takeoff before protection wears off.

“In winter operations, pilots must be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to icing,” explains Puig. “We train pilots to recognize ice-forming conditions and request de-icing or anti-icing early. Pilots battle icing conditions by taking decisive action before problems arise.”

Detecting and Responding to Ice in Flight

Once airborne, ice forms rapidly, especially in clouds with supercooled droplets. Pilots detect ice using:

• Visual Checks: Ice forms on cockpit windows, windshield wipers, and wing edges. Some aircraft have visual indicators for early detection.
• Instrument Warnings: Ice detection sensors alert pilots. Changes in airspeed, altitude, or engine performance can also indicate ice buildup. Vibrations in the aircraft structure or engines may signal icing.

Pilots report icing to air traffic control (ATC) so controllers can warn other aircraft.

“If you see ice on your windshield wiper, performance degradation has likely already begun,” notes Puig. “Immediate action is key.”

Once icing is detected, pilots take several countermeasures:

• Activating Anti-Icing Systems: Many aircraft use engine bleed air heating to prevent ice on wings and engines. Sensors and critical surfaces may have electric heating.
• Using De-Icing Boots: Some turboprop aircraft use inflatable rubber boots on wings to break accumulated ice.
• Changing Altitude or Course: Pilots may climb to a warmer altitude or descend to escape icing zones.

Failing to act can increase stall speed, reduce control, and in extreme cases, cause lift loss.

Simulator Training to Handle Icing Conditions

“In simulations, we train pilots to respond immediately to ice warnings,” Puig adds. “For example, during Type Rating training, pilots may enter a simulated freezing rain cloud, triggering ice buildup. They receive an ice warning and activate the anti-icing systems. They then monitor instruments for performance changes, like reduced airspeed or increased stall warnings. In some cases, they adjust pitch manually or change altitude to escape icing. Pilots battle icing conditions in controlled training environments to prepare for real-life scenarios.”

The Bottom Line

Icing conditions present serious challenges, but proper training makes a difference. BAA Training ensures pilots can detect, respond to, and manage icing threats effectively. This enhances quick decision-making and ensures passenger and crew safety. Regular flying in varied weather refines skills since experience is key in a pilot’s career.