A powerful winter storm swept across the US this week, bringing gale force winds and leaving snow and ice in its wake.
The conditions got so bad at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that the planes and ramp were covered in “thick sheets of ice,” according to Alaska Airlines.
Source: Alaska Airlines
The freezing rain led to about 550 Alaska flight cancellations across the Pacific Northwest on Friday, with the airline posting pictures of icicles hanging from aircraft wings.
Source: Alaska Airlines
"Freezing rain & icy conditions at Sea-Tac have forced us to pause flying before noon PST," the airline tweeted. "It will take warmer weather and time to clear our ramp and aircraft of ice. We are working hard to resume safe operations. "
Source: Alaska Airlines
According to the airline, ice can be more harmful than snow because it is difficult to remove. But, if a jet isn't properly cleared of either, then it could risk the plane's "aerodynamic integrity" and pose a safety threat.
Source: Alaska Airlines
Seattle-Tacoma International led US airports in cancellations on Friday, according data from flight tracker FlightAware.
Source: Alaska Airlines
"We've all seen those pictures of power lines with icicles on them," Alaska Capt. Bret Peyton explained. "Can you imagine if that was an aircraft wing? Clearly, we cannot operate in those conditions."
Source: Alaska Airlines
A common solution for ice or snow is to deice the aircraft, which involves typically spraying a hot glycol-based substance and anti-icing fluid across the plane.
Source: National Aviation Academy
However, according to Peyton, this is only effective in "light conditions," but moderate and freezing rain can make flying nearly impossible, forcing cancellations and delays this holiday weekend.
Source: Alaska Airlines
“Our pilots at Alaska Airlines are very well-versed in operating in wintertime conditions, and we will not operate an aircraft unless it’s safe,” Peyton said, assuring passengers. “Suffice it to say if the aircraft is moving, it’s safe to do so.”
Source: Alaska Airlines
Via PakApNews