If frost is observed on the wings, what is the typical impact on performance?

If frost is observed on the wings, what is the typical impact on performance?

• A. It improves lift
• B. It reduces lift and increases stall speed
• C. It has no effect
• D. It lowers stall speed

Answer: (B)

Frost on the wings creates roughness and adds weight, which disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing. This causes the boundary layer to separate earlier, lowering the maximum lift the wing can produce. To maintain level flight, you’d need more airspeed, which means stall speed increases. The added ice also increases drag, further degrading performance. So the typical impact is reduced lift and higher stall speed.

Frost on the wings creates roughness and adds weight, which disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing. This causes the boundary layer to separate earlier, lowering the maximum lift the wing can produce. To maintain level flight, you’d need more airspeed, which means stall speed increases. The added ice also increases drag, further degrading performance. So the typical impact is reduced lift and higher stall speed.