How does icing affect aircraft performance?

• A. Icing reduces weight and drag increases lift.
• B. Icing has no effect on performance.
• C. Icing increases weight and drag and reduces lift; anti-ice/ de-ice measures are used to prevent.
• D. Icing only affects electrical systems and instrumentation.

Answer: (D)

Ice on aircraft surfaces changes both weight and the way air flows around the wings and other aerodynamic surfaces. When ice accumulates, it adds mass, and the surface becomes rough. This roughness disrupts smooth airflow, reducing lift and increasing drag. The result is a higher stall speed, longer takeoff and landing distances, and often greater power and fuel use to maintain performance. Anti-ice and de-ice systems are used to prevent or remove ice so lift is preserved and drag doesn’t spike. While icing can affect instruments and sensors too, the main impact on performance is aerodynamic and mass-related, not limited to electrical systems.