What is the minimum holding speed in icing conditions?

What is the minimum holding speed in icing conditions?

• A. 170 knots
• B. 175 knots
• C. 180 knots
• D. 185 knots

Answer: (C)

In icing conditions, ice on the wings raises the stall speed and reduces lift, so you must fly at a speed that reliably keeps the aircraft above the iced-stall threshold while you’re in the hold. The published minimum holding speed for icing conditions is 180 knots, which provides a safe margin to maintain control and turning capability even with ice buildup. Choosing 170 or 175 knots would place you too close to the iced-stall speed, increasing the risk of a stall in the turn or during course changes. Going higher, like 185 knots, isn’t necessary for minimum protection and would waste speed and fuel; the requirement is to hold at the minimum safe speed, which is 180 knots.

In icing conditions, ice on the wings raises the stall speed and reduces lift, so you must fly at a speed that reliably keeps the aircraft above the iced-stall threshold while you’re in the hold. The published minimum holding speed for icing conditions is 180 knots, which provides a safe margin to maintain control and turning capability even with ice buildup.

Choosing 170 or 175 knots would place you too close to the iced-stall speed, increasing the risk of a stall in the turn or during course changes. Going higher, like 185 knots, isn’t necessary for minimum protection and would waste speed and fuel; the requirement is to hold at the minimum safe speed, which is 180 knots.