In a scenario where rime icing is present on the leading edge and the surface temperature is 3°C, what is the recommended approach speed action?

• A. Use a faster than normal approach and landing speed
• B. Use a slower than normal approach and landing speed
• C. Maintain the standard approach speed regardless of icing
• D. Increase climb rate during the approach

Answer: (A)

Ice on the leading edge of the wing reduces the wing’s lift capability and increases the stall speed. With rime ice at a temperature around freezing (3°C), the wing will require a higher airspeed to maintain the same margin before stalling. Therefore, on approach you should fly faster than normal to keep enough lift and stability as you descend and land. Slower speeds risk stalling with limited height to recover, while standard speeds don’t provide the extra margin needed when ice is present. Increasing climb rate during the approach isn’t the remedy here, as it doesn’t address the degraded lift and stall margin caused by the ice.