Can the Boeing 737 be dispatched into known or forecasted icing conditions?

Can the Boeing 737 be dispatched into known or forecasted icing conditions?

• A. No, not at all
• B. Yes, into severe icing
• C. Yes, but only light or moderate
• D. Yes, but with restrictions

Answer: (C)

Icing affects how an aircraft flies, changing lift, drag, stall speed, and engine/airframe performance. The Boeing 737 is equipped with anti-ice systems that let it operate in icing conditions, but only up to certain limits. Dispatch into known or forecast icing is allowed when the expected icing is limited to light or moderate and the anti-ice systems are available and used as required. Severe icing is not permitted because it can lead to dangerous ice buildup and loss of control, so the correct stance is that the airplane can be dispatched into light or moderate icing, not into severe icing.

Icing affects how an aircraft flies, changing lift, drag, stall speed, and engine/airframe performance. The Boeing 737 is equipped with anti-ice systems that let it operate in icing conditions, but only up to certain limits. Dispatch into known or forecast icing is allowed when the expected icing is limited to light or moderate and the anti-ice systems are available and used as required. Severe icing is not permitted because it can lead to dangerous ice buildup and loss of control, so the correct stance is that the airplane can be dispatched into light or moderate icing, not into severe icing.