NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-11-047 to FAA on Icing Condition Training

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Safety Recommendation A-11-047, identified by reference number CEN09MA142, addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation outlines specific requirements for flight crew training regarding aircraft certification for flight in icing conditions. The NTSB states that once simulator model fidelity requirements requested in Safety Recommendation A-11-46 are implemented, the FAA must require flight crews of all aircraft certificated for flight in icing conditions to undergo training in simulators that meet these fidelity standards. The recommended simulation training should emphasize three key areas: cues for recognizing changes in the aircraft’s flight characteristics as airframe icing develops; procedures for monitoring and maintaining appropriate airspeeds in icing conditions, including the use of icing airspeed reference indices; and procedures for responding to decaying airspeed situations, stall protection system activation, and early stalls that can occur without stall protection system activation. This directive aims to enhance safety protocols through improved simulation fidelity and targeted training focus.