What describes moderate icing?

Moderate icing is characterized by its potential to cause significant operational difficulties for pilots. When icing is described as moderate, it indicates that even brief encounters with icing conditions can be problematic, leading to a degradation of aircraft performance. This includes issues like increased weight due to ice accumulation, changes in stall characteristics, and potential icing on critical surfaces such as wings and control surfaces, all of which can compromise safety and require immediate remedial action.

Moderate icing does not necessarily mean that all encounters will lead to dangerous situations, but pilots must be aware that the risk is substantial enough to warrant caution. It poses a greater threat than light icing, which is typically manageable for pilots under most circumstances. Therefore, recognizing moderate icing as potentially hazardous, even during short flights, emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for these conditions to ensure safe flight operations.