Operation in icing conditions

This regulation governs Part 121 air carrier operations in icing conditions. The pilot in command (or dispatcher for domestic/flag operations) must not dispatch, continue, or land when icing conditions might adversely affect flight safety.

No aircraft may take off with frost, ice, or snow adhering to wings, control surfaces, propellers, engine inlets, or other critical surfaces. When such contamination may reasonably be expected, the carrier must have an FAA-approved ground deicing/anti-icing program that includes:

• Procedures for determining when deicing is needed and who decides
• Training for all personnel on holdover times, fluid types, contamination recognition, and inspection procedures
• Holdover timetables (the time deicing fluid remains effective)
• Pre-takeoff contamination checks within five minutes of takeoff, conducted from outside the aircraft

Alternatively, carriers may operate without a full program if they conduct the five-minute external contamination check before every takeoff when conditions warrant.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*