Operating in icing conditions

This regulation addresses operating aircraft in icing conditions and has two main parts:

Ground operations: You cannot take off with frost, ice, or snow on propellers, windshields, control surfaces, engines, or critical instruments. The only exception is frost under the wing in the fuel tank area, if the FAA specifically authorizes it.

Flight operations: You cannot fly into known or forecast icing conditions (light or moderate under IFR, or any known icing under VFR) unless your aircraft has functioning ice protection equipment for all critical components, or meets specific certification standards for icing. Flying into known or forecast *severe* icing is prohibited unless your aircraft meets higher certification standards.

However, if updated weather information shows the forecast icing won't actually be encountered due to changed conditions, these flight restrictions don't apply.

This matters because ice accumulation dramatically affects aircraft performance and controllability, making proper equipment and planning essential for safety.

*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.*