What is a potential consequence of ice forming on antennas during flight?

What is a potential consequence of ice forming on antennas during flight?

• A. Antennas breaking off and possibly striking engines or fuselage
• B. Improved signal range
• C. No effect
• D. Reduced drag

Answer: (A)

Ice on antennas during flight presents a real safety hazard because the ice can break loose and become a high-speed projectile. If a piece detaches, it could strike engines or the fuselage, causing damage or debris hazards. Antennas are exposed and icing increases their weight and aerodynamic loads, making detachment more likely in gusty or high‑speed conditions. While icing also degrades antenna performance and signal quality, the dangerous scenario emphasized here is the potential for ice to shed and hit critical structures like engines or the fuselage. The other choices don’t fit: ice does not improve signal range, it does have an effect, and icing increases, not reduces, drag.

Ice on antennas during flight presents a real safety hazard because the ice can break loose and become a high-speed projectile. If a piece detaches, it could strike engines or the fuselage, causing damage or debris hazards. Antennas are exposed and icing increases their weight and aerodynamic loads, making detachment more likely in gusty or high‑speed conditions. While icing also degrades antenna performance and signal quality, the dangerous scenario emphasized here is the potential for ice to shed and hit critical structures like engines or the fuselage. The other choices don’t fit: ice does not improve signal range, it does have an effect, and icing increases, not reduces, drag.