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Landing distance after heavy ice accumulation

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 5 of 9 on Ice and Rain Control Systems. ACS element AM.II.L.K1 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn airplane's normal landing distance is 2,500 feet. After touchdown with heavy ice accumulation, the landing distance may be as much as approximately how far?

  1. AAbout 5,000 feet
  2. BAbout 3,000 feet, only slightly more
  3. CAbout 7,500 feet, three times more
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. About 5,000 feet

  • A — correct Landing distances with heavy ice accumulation may be as much as twice the normal distance because of the increased landing speeds, so 2,500 feet becomes about 5,000 feet.
  • B — incorrect A 20 percent increase understates the effect; the stated figure is as much as double the normal distance.
  • C — incorrect Tripling overstates the effect; the stated increase is as much as twice the normal landing distance.

BACKGROUND

Ice on an airframe degrades performance in several ways at once: lift decreases, weight and drag increase, thrust decreases, and stalling speed rises. Because the airplane stalls at higher than published speeds with ice accumulation, increased airspeed must be maintained on final approach. That higher touchdown speed carries directly into the ground roll. The handbook states that after touchdown with heavy ice accumulation, landing distances may be as much as twice the normal distance. Icing effects are also cumulative, so the longer the airplane remains in icing conditions the worse the penalty becomes.

STUDY TIP

Remember the icing performance penalties as a set: lift down, drag up, weight up, thrust down, stall speed up, landing distance up to double. Practice applying the doubling rule to a given normal landing distance.

KEY POINTS

  • Ice accumulation raises stall speed, so approach and touchdown speeds must be higher.
  • Landing distance with heavy ice may be as much as twice the normal distance.
  • Icing effects are cumulative and also increase fuel consumption and reduce rate of climb.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch15.txt — "Icing Effects"
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MORE ON ICE AND RAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.