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NTSB Calls for Alert System for Icing Protection
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), pointing to a failure to turn on the de-ice system in the December 2014 crash of an Embraer Phenom 100, is recommending that the FAA and industry groups work together to develop a system to alert pilots when ice protection systems should be activated and to develop improved training guidelines for winter weather operations. (www.ainonline.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
No matter how hard we try, we cannot design an aircraft system that will overcome stupidity in the cockpit.
Even the Shorts 330 I flew back in the previous century had an ice detector. It didn't work that well, however...
OK. Every car made nowadays has "Ice Alert" notifications based on OAT. The ADC in the aircraft could generate the same type of notification based on environmental factors present and could issue an "Amber" (Caution) light at some interval (say ~5 minutes?) to flight crews to remind them to check whether deice systems for that portion of the flight are required. Also, not just winter operations, I have had massive ice on hot summer days especially on the lee side of large thunderstorms in IMC in the flight levels!
I fly a 20+ year old jet and it has an ice detection system on it. Maybe the difference in 121 vs 91/135 regulations/approvals but it sounds like a way for manufacturers to cut cost to not install this in the aircraft.
Should be a simple add-on, similar to ice warning systems in vehicles.. Take an air sample, related to moisture/droplets and make the alert audible.. The embraer's had pre-takeoff, audible config. checks.. I thought? I know the 145's and 175/190's do.. Never flown one, but flew the sim. Wish I had an audible alert on the Beech and the 210 I rent.. Even the Navajo I flew right seat on.. Ah well.. No matter what alert system is implemented, doesn't make a bit of difference if the warning is ignored, and in many cases.. it is ignored or missed due to workload, or "get-there-itis".
Every pilot must know when anti-ice/deice is needed. Training and experience cannot be replaced with another idiot light. It wasn't my fault I crashed. The light didn't tell me to turn the deice on! I also don't understand their emphasis on single pilot operations. Crews have come to grief also for the same reason. I guess they felt that they had to recommend something or they weren't doing their jobs.