Why does frozen precipitation cause such delays at airports?
Snow, sleet and freezing rain can all contribute to icing on aircraft. Not only can a coating of ice add significant weight to a plane, but it can also change the aerodynamics of the plane’s airfoil. Studies have shown that just .03 inches of ice can decrease lift by 25% and increase drag during takeoff. While deicing is available to aircraft before taxiing for takeoff, the fluids used in deicing can only protect aircraft for a limited time. Delays caused by poor weather can prolong the time planes must wait before takeoff, allowing ice to redevelop and requiring another round of deicing. Aircraft icing does not only occur on the ground. It can also occur during the flight. Learn more in-flight icing on this USA TODAY resource page.
