What characterizes clear icing?

Clear icing is characterized by its hard and glossy appearance after freezing. This type of icing occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze upon impact with an aircraft's surface, creating a smooth, transparent layer of ice. The resulting glossy finish is indicative of the ice's dense structure, which typically forms in conditions such as freezing rain or higher humidity at temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

The physical properties of clear icing make it particularly hazardous, as it can easily affect the aircraft's aerodynamics and performance. Pilots need to be aware of the conditions that might lead to clear icing and take appropriate actions to avoid it, such as avoiding flying through weather systems where clear icing is likely to occur.

Understanding the characteristics of different types of icing is crucial for safe flight operations, as each type can have varying impacts on an aircraft's performance and handling.