Most light aircraft — no anti-ice
Standard PPL trainers (Cessna 152/172, PA-28, DA40, Aquila) have no anti-icing or de-icing equipment. Flight in icing conditions is therefore not permitted (see Subject 060 lesson "NOTAM and AIS Briefing — icing conditions").
Source: EASA NCO.IDE.A.110; FAA-H-8083-25B PHAK Ch. 13.
Aircraft classification by anti-ice
| Class | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| No anti-ice | No equipment — no flight in icing | C152, C172, PA-28, DA40 (standard) |
| Anti-ice for pitot/static | Pitot heat only | some IFR trainers |
| De-ice (wing) | Pneumatic boots (TKS, Goodrich) | PA-46 Malibu, some turboprops |
| FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) | Fully certified anti/de-ice system | Cirrus SR22 with TKS, King Air, airliners |
Consequences for standard PPL
With a non-certified aircraft:
- Flight in known or forecast icing conditions is prohibited (see Subject 030 lesson "NOTAM and AIS Briefing").
- On inadvertent entry into an icing zone: leave without delay (see Subject 070).
- Take-off with ice on aircraft: not permitted (aircraft not airworthy — see Subject 060 lesson "Pre-flight").
What to do in winter operations?
- Pre-flight de-icing if ice is present.
- Weather briefing for icing — freezing level, SLD, frontal activity.
- Alternate plan with runway below freezing level.
- Diversion option for unexpected icing.
Carb heat — the only exception
Even without an anti-ice system, most PPL trainers have carb heat as protection against carburettor icing — see Subject 020 lesson "Carburettor Icing".