Tailplane icing avoidance

• Icing approach: if unavoidable, plan minimum allowable flap setting and fly on speed (App.B s.4.3(1)(a),(c)).
• Power: high power can aggravate a tailplane stall in some types; use only what the configuration needs (App.B s.4.3(1)(e)).
• Pneumatic boots: if equipped, cycle frequently to keep tailplane clear (App.B s.4.3(1)(g)).
• Pitch changes: avoid abrupt nose-down pitching when tailplane icing suspected: raises tailplane angle of attack, can stall a contaminated tailplane (TC AIM AIR 2.12.3.4). If nose-down change needed, make it slowly, even in gusting conditions, if circumstances allow (TC AIM AIR 2.12.3.4(d)).
• Check the AFM: manufacturer procedures and AFM take precedence, including whether a type is prone to tailplane stall (App.B s.4.0(6), s.4.3 Note). No takeoff unless AFM available to flight crew at duty stations (CAR 605.04(1)).

Trap: quick nose-down input to correct pitch. Abrupt nose-down can stall a contaminated tailplane; change slowly.

Practice