Gray Eagle Gray Eagle, Extended Range
Maintainers and operators,
It’s a fact that accumulation of snow, ice, frost and moisture on aircraft surfaces places the aircraft in adverse conditions that warrant special care.
Get Smart
When taking care of your Gray Eagle, NSN 1550-01-619-2239, and Gray Eagle Extended Range, NSN 1550-01-648-0888, in winter weather, check out the snow and ice removal procedures in TM 1-1550-696-23&P (June 19). Operators should also check out Chapter 5 of TM 1-1550-697-10-2 (Dec 18) and eyeball AR 95-1, Flight Regulations (Mar 18).
When you bring an aircraft from a warm environment to a cooler environment, moisture and frost build on the surface of the aircraft.
And icing is most common in temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to -20°C (-4°F), along with visible moisture such as clouds, drizzle, rain or wet snow.
For more information on icing, check out Para 3-7 of TC 3-04.4, Fundamentals of Flight (Dec 16). And make sure you review AR 95-1 for specific rules concerning flight in icing conditions.
Cold Weather Maintenance
There are costs associated with not taking care of your aircraft in cold weather conditions. So take the time needed to perform maintenance. Remove as much snow and ice as possible from the aircraft surfaces with a soft brush. Then apply a light coat of de-icing fluid to affected surfaces, and immediately wipe dry. Not doing this could cost you millions per aircraft!
Caution
Icing is a serious matter. So remove all moisture from aircraft surfaces when the ground temperature is at or below 0°C (32°F). If you don’t, much longer takeoff ground roll, decreased climb rate, and potential damage to or loss of the aircraft may result.