Laser pointer to detect wing ice?

[Thedude]

Like I am gonna take advise from a guy that that doesn't have any significant time in anything bigger than a C-208

Maybe I should just re-state, by the time you notice a pitch changing moment...its probably to late.

 

[FN FAL]

Like I am gonna take advise from a guy that that doesn't have any significant time in anything bigger than a C-208

Maybe I should just re-state, by the time you notice a pitch changing moment...its probably to late.

Well, I got a quarter inch of ice x three legs yesterday and I didn't give up. It's not too late to get on the winning team, son.

 

[DrewBlows]

The MD-80 had a well-known clear ice problem due to supercooling of the wing fuel, followed by descent in even very light moisture.

Does the ice usually melt when fuel is added (assuming the temperature is above freezing)? I heard that there could be ice even in the summer (Super 80's in DFW), do you guys deice in July?

 

[Gorilla]

Does the ice usually melt when fuel is added (assuming the temperature is above freezing)? I heard that there could be ice even in the summer (Super 80's in DFW), do you guys deice in July?

I haven't flown 80's in a while. The phenomenon can occur at temps well above what would normally get your attention for ice, such as high 50's or low 60's on the ramp. Above a certain ambient temp, it wasn't an issue. Adding fuel often didn't do enough to melt the clear ice; it depends upon how much super-cooled fuel is still in the wings, and how much is added on the ground. Long cruising at high altitudes, followed by a quick turn in 50 to 60 degree moist ramp weather, would often cause significant ice.

They've added electrically-heated blankets at strategic locations on the wing skin, at least on some (or all) AA aircraft, not too sure about other MD-80's. The blanket eliminates the problem. It consumes huge current and is one of the first items load-shed when there's not enough power on the aircraft.

Maybe a current MD-80 guy will add to this or correct me.