Before we lose the winter entirely, I have a question for all current Cirrus operators in parts of the country below freezing.
What has been your icing experience this winter? Rumors abound that the SR20 does not hold any ice at all without significant changes in flight dynamics. What is the experience of the actual users? Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
If so, how much? Most of the Cessnas I have flown over the years carry mild amounts of ice well with little change in airspeed or control problems. How does the Cirrus differ, if at all?
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
Anyone know if Cirrus is planning any sort of de-icing/anti-icing equipment for the SR20/22 or future aircraft?
Rick
Before we lose the winter entirely, I have a question for all current Cirrus operators in parts of the country below freezing.
What has been your icing experience this winter? Rumors abound that the SR20 does not hold any ice at all without significant changes in flight dynamics. What is the experience of the actual users? Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
If so, how much? Most of the Cessnas I have flown over the years carry mild amounts of ice well with little change in airspeed or control problems. How does the Cirrus differ, if at all?
As an addendum, my first and only encounter with ice carried with it a bit of a downside surprise; what I thought was a “trace” on the leading edges of the wings was in reality “light” with a thicker accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. Its tough from the cockpit to judge how much is there particularly if its milky rime.
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
As an addendum, my first and only encounter with ice carried with it a bit of a downside surprise; what I thought was a “trace” on the leading edges of the wings was in reality “light” with a thicker accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. Its tough from the cockpit to judge how much is there particularly if its milky rime.
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
So how did it fly comparably? Or have you discussed that before?
As an addendum, my first and only encounter with ice carried with it a bit of a downside surprise; what I thought was a “trace” on the leading edges of the wings was in reality “light” with a thicker accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. Its tough from the cockpit to judge how much is there particularly if its milky rime.
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
It would help if you could give a few more details. Where did this happen? How long where you in the stuff? Did it effect the flight Characteristics of the airplane? What was the out come with landing?
Those are the types od details previously UNREPORTED.
As an addendum, my first and only encounter with ice carried with it a bit of a downside surprise; what I thought was a “trace” on the leading edges of the wings was in reality “light” with a thicker accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. Its tough from the cockpit to judge how much is there particularly if its milky rime.
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
It would help if you could give a few more details. Where did this happen? How long where you in the stuff? Did it effect the flight Characteristics of the airplane? What was the out come with landing?
Those are the types od details previously UNREPORTED.
Brian
First, this was my first icing encounter in any plane so obviously I’m no expert nor do I have any basis of comparison to other aircraft.
The flight was over southeastern Mass. and included a bit over an hour in the goo. Airspeed loss was approx. 5-10 kts, otherwise I noticed no other differences in handling. In fact, I was under the impression that I wasn’t carrying much more than a trace as that’s all I could see.
As an addendum, my first and only encounter with ice carried with it a bit of a downside surprise; what I thought was a “trace” on the leading edges of the wings was in reality “light” with a thicker accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. Its tough from the cockpit to judge how much is there particularly if its milky rime.
Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
This topic was discussed extensively not so long ago, and produced some heated discussions, especially between those (like me) who live in places where the freezing level mostly stays above the ground, and those who don’t.
Without revisiting all of that, the limited experience that was mentioned seemed to agree with the expected result - the SR20’s laminar flow wing will be affected by ice much more readily than the non-laminar airfoil on say a C182.
It would help if you could give a few more details. Where did this happen? How long where you in the stuff? Did it effect the flight Characteristics of the airplane? What was the out come with landing?
Those are the types od details previously UNREPORTED.
Brian
First, this was my first icing encounter in any plane so obviously I’m no expert nor do I have any basis of comparison to other aircraft.
The flight was over southeastern Mass. and included a bit over an hour in the goo. Airspeed loss was approx. 5-10 kts, otherwise I noticed no other differences in handling. In fact, I was under the impression that I wasn’t carrying much more than a trace as that’s all I could see.
The landing was normal.
Thanks Joe:
That is a perfect report. Other than a small decrease in airspeed, the plane flew fine. That is comforting information. Even though it was your first encounter, the value of the information is as good as someone with multuple ice encounters. Thanks again.
OK Paul, I’m a little anachronistic, but have managed to understand “IMHO” “FWIW” “BTW” & “FUJIGM”, but a little help please on YMMV?
Thanks,
Marty, the world’s youngest dinosaur.
Marty,
“YMMV” got me the first time I saw it, too; but I was able to solve the mystery by looking it up on one of the websites that explains these things. I use http://www.ucc.ie/info/net/acronyms/acro.html The WorldWideWeb Acronym and Abbreviation Server , which I find easy to use.
Rumor has it that the SR22’s wing handles ice much better than the 20 (YMMV for “much better”). I haven’t picked any up yet.
OK Paul, I’m a little anachronistic, but have managed to understand “IMHO” “FWIW” “BTW” & “FUJIGM”, but a little help please on YMMV?
Thanks,
Marty, the world’s youngest dinosaur.
Your Mileage May Vary??? well at least i got a good laugh.
Now, for the FUJIGM, it would be perfect for Paul t. to say to us as we drool over his great plnae and leave spots on his windscreen!
My other answer notwithstanding… I’m stumped by FUJIGM. I can’t find it anywhere. Help?
I’m guessing “Forget you, Joe, I got mine.”
-Mike
Close enough. The way I learned it the first two words aren’t printable, and the third is Jack, but why be picky. :~) Of course, one would only use that among friends!
Anyone know if Cirrus is planning any sort of de-icing/anti-icing equipment for the SR20/22 or future aircraft?
Rick
Before we lose the winter entirely, I have a question for all current Cirrus operators in parts of the country below freezing.
What has been your icing experience this winter? Rumors abound that the SR20 does not hold any ice at all without significant changes in flight dynamics. What is the experience of the actual users? Other than a change in airspeed, has the plane been able to carry some ice without problems?
If so, how much? Most of the Cessnas I have flown over the years carry mild amounts of ice well with little change in airspeed or control problems. How does the Cirrus differ, if at all?
Thanks,
Brian
Not anytime soon. The TKS system used by the Mooney is currently NOT working with Cirrus as I already talked to them.
