Which of the following is a method to manage ice on airframe during flight?

Which of the following is a method to manage ice on airframe during flight?

• A. Window heat
• B. Pitot heat
• C. Stall heat
• D. Prop heat

Answer: (B)

Ice on critical air data sensors can give you misleading readings that affect aircraft performance and safety. The pitot tube measures dynamic pressure to feed the airspeed indicator and other systems. When ice forms on the pitot tube, the readings can become erratic or unreadable, which is dangerous during flight. Activating pitot heat keeps the pitot tube warm, preventing ice buildup and ensuring the airspeed indicator remains accurate and reliable. Other options don’t address this essential sensor. Window heat warms the windshield to maintain visibility, but it doesn’t prevent icing on the air data system. Prop heat protects the propeller from icing, which is a different icing concern related to propulsion rather than the air data readings. Stall heat is not a standard, reliable method for preventing icing on sensors in flight.

Ice on critical air data sensors can give you misleading readings that affect aircraft performance and safety. The pitot tube measures dynamic pressure to feed the airspeed indicator and other systems. When ice forms on the pitot tube, the readings can become erratic or unreadable, which is dangerous during flight. Activating pitot heat keeps the pitot tube warm, preventing ice buildup and ensuring the airspeed indicator remains accurate and reliable.

Other options don’t address this essential sensor. Window heat warms the windshield to maintain visibility, but it doesn’t prevent icing on the air data system. Prop heat protects the propeller from icing, which is a different icing concern related to propulsion rather than the air data readings. Stall heat is not a standard, reliable method for preventing icing on sensors in flight.