Question

During an IFR cross-country flight you picked up rime icing which you estimate is 1/2" thick on the leading edge of the wings. You are now belowthe clouds at 2000 feet AGL and are approaching your destination airport underVFR. Visibility under the clouds is more than 10 miles, winds at the destination airport are 8 knots right down the runway, and the surface temperature is 3 degrees Celsius. You decide to*

A. use a faster than normal approach and landing speed.
B. approach and land at your normal speed since the ice is not thick enough tohave any noticeable effect.
C. fly your approach slower than normal to lessen the 'wind chill' effect and break up the ice

Answer 1

A. You have to manage your approach and landing at speeds higher than normal.

The ice has changed the shape of the wings, and you can't count on having the normal amounts of lift and drag if you come in at normal speeds.