What is the primary hazard associated with clear ice on aircraft surfaces?

• A. It reduces lift and increases drag, potentially leading to loss of control.
• B. It increases lift.
• C. It has no effect.
• D. It increases stability.

Answer: (A)

Clear ice on a wing creates a dense, smooth layer that disrupts the airflow over the surface. This added weight and the altered surface cause the boundary layer to separate more easily, reducing lift while increasing drag. With less lift and more drag, airspeed protection erodes, stall speed rises, and control effectiveness diminishes, making loss of control a real risk. It’s not about increasing lift or stability—clear ice actually lowers lift and raises drag, which is the primary hazard.