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AA.II.E.R6FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Adverse weather conditions prior to takeoff (e.g., snow, ice, gusting crosswinds, low-v...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Adverse weather conditions prior to takeoff (e.g., snow, ice, gusting crosswinds, low-visibility).

Bottom line

Frost, ice, or snow adhering to the aircraft on the ground, if not removed, can also be a hazard. Precipitation can create hazards on the runway surface itself, making takeoffs and landings difficult, if not impossible, due to snow, ice, or pooling water and very slick surfaces. Aircraft that have ice, snow, or frost on their surfaces must be carefully cleaned prior to beginning a flight because of the possible airflow disruption and loss of lift.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-7) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-17) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. PHAK ch. 11 (p. 11-16) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-15) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-13) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. AFH ch. 6 (p. 6-1) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. AFH ch. 16 (p. 16-12) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  9. PHAK ch. 7 (pp. 7-40–7-41) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  10. SEA ch. 9 (p. 9-7) — FAA-H-8083-23
  11. 14 CFR 91.103 (Preflight action.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
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