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Location of ice detector sensors

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 6 of 9 on Ice and Rain Control Systems. ACS element AM.II.L.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONOn an aircraft equipped with an ice detector system, where are the ice detector sensors located?

  1. AOn the forward fuselage
  2. BOn the wing leading edge slats
  3. CInside the engine inlet duct
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. On the forward fuselage

  • A — correct One or more ice detectors are located on the forward fuselage, where they sense icing conditions and alert the flight crew.
  • B — incorrect The slats are heated surfaces supplied by the wing anti-ice ducts; the detectors themselves are not mounted there.
  • C — incorrect Engine inlets are anti-iced, but the ice detector probes are mounted on the forward fuselage, not inside the inlet duct.

BACKGROUND

Ice can be detected visually, but most modern aircraft carry one or more ice detector sensors that warn the flight crew of icing conditions. Each detector consists of a probe on a strut, with a housing and an electrical connector, and one or more are mounted on the forward fuselage. When icing is sensed, an annunciator light comes on to alert the flight crew. On some aircraft models, multiple ice detectors are installed and the ice detection system automatically turns on the wing anti-ice (WAI) systems when ice is detected. Many other ice and rain protection systems on modern aircraft are likewise controlled automatically from the ice detection system and onboard computers.

STUDY TIP

Learn the detector's physical makeup (probe, strut, housing, electrical connector) and its two outputs: a crew annunciation and, on some aircraft, automatic activation of the anti-ice systems.

KEY POINTS

  • Ice detectors are mounted on the forward fuselage, often one on each side.
  • Detection lights an annunciator to alert the flight crew.
  • Some aircraft use the detector signal to turn on wing anti-ice automatically.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch15.txt — "Ice Detector System"
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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.