FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What kind of ice can be particularly hard to remove once it forms?

1. Clear ice

2. Rime ice

3. Mixed ice

4. Soft ice

The correct answer is: Clear ice

Clear ice is particularly hard to remove once it forms due to its dense and smooth nature. This type of ice typically forms in liquid conditions when supercooled water droplets freeze on impact with the aircraft surface. The result is a solid, transparent layer of ice that adheres strongly to the aircraft, making it challenging to remove without appropriate de-icing or anti-icing measures. In contrast, rime ice, which forms in colder temperatures with less impact of liquid water, creates a more brittle structure that can sometimes be easier to detach. Mixed ice combines characteristics of both clear and rime ice but doesn't have the same adherence properties as clear ice. Soft ice lacks the solidity and compactness of clear ice, allowing it to be more easily removed. Hence, clear ice stands out as the most difficult type to deal with post-formation.