Final answer:
In response to tailplane icing, the pilot must adjust the aircraft's heading by calculating the necessary vector adjustments for wind compensation, using known airspeed and wind velocities to maintain proper ground track.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event of suspected tailplane icing during an approach, the pilot should employ a specific strategy to ensure the safety of the aircraft.
This involves constructing a vector equation to determine the velocity of the plane with respect to the ground, taking into account the known velocity of the plane with respect to the air and the velocity of the air with respect to the ground.
A graphical representation of the vectors can provide a visual aid for solving the velocity magnitude and the necessary angle adjustment.
Once these are determined, the pilot must adjust the aircraft's heading to compensate for the wind effects introduced by the icing, ensuring the proper ground track is maintained. An accurate understanding of the vectors will also inform the pilot of the correct angle to head the plane with respect to the air.