When traveling by air be prepared for weather delays. Airplanes cannot fly in hazardous weather such as ice or snow storms. There are also weather conditions that will affect the airplane and can make traveling in one unsafe. One thing the airplane crew has to watch out for is the formation of ice on the airplane.
Ice is especially dangerous when it forms on the wing of the airplane. Ice on the wing was blamed for hundreds of crashes within the last ten years. The ice on the wing makes it heavier and harder to control. The wing of the plane is not able to lift off the ground and can be weighed down when in the air. Even a little ice can be dangerous when it forms on a plane. When in the air the crew has to be careful of chunks of ice that may fly off of the plane. The ice can fly into the engine causing failure. If the ice does not hit the engine it can make the plane use more fuel to compensate for the extra weight. This can be very dangerous especially on long runs.
When in a flight ice can also be dangerous for the airplane and those on it. When the plane flies through clouds that are precipitating ice the droplets can get on the plane. As long as the plane is moving at a constant speed and at a constant altitude this should not be a major problem. As soon as the plane changes altitude and leaves the icy cloud the water droplets can freeze causing major problems for the plane. It can freeze on the engine and other parts making flying difficult and dangerous.
In addition to icy conditions on the plane ice on the runway can also make things dangerous. If there is ice or even slush on the runway the airplane is not allowed to take off. The tires can slide just like a car only with bigger consequences. The plane has to wait until the conditions get better and the runway is cleared for take off or landing.
Ice is dangerous for all travel including airplanes. If the ice is on the plane is can weight it down and make if difficult to steer. Ice blocks can hurt the engine and use more fuel then intended. When traveling in winter weather be prepared for delays and take precautions to stay safe.
