In a weird request, FAA issued a request for public comment on known icing, contrary to what the industry was expecting. The Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association, along with other user groups have been trying to overturn an interpretation on icing issued by the Eastern Region last summer that would have grounded much of the fleet not equipped for flight in those conditions. It looks as if the FAA, in not wanting to directly overturn the Eastern Region, is going back to square one and asking the industry to answer the original question: How’s a pilot to know what is known icing for enforcement actions? Related Story
Rather than overturning, the agency essentially wants the industry to tell it what known icing is in terms of enforcement. In its response to a petition by aviation users, the FAA basically reiterated current rules and regulations, asking operators to weigh in on the subject. The letter of interpretation, dated June 6, 2006, responded to a request by Robert Miller that the FAA clarify when ``known ice'' exists for purposes of enforcement action. Last summer, FAA's Eastern Region Counsel effectively gave operators of aircraft not equipped for flight into known icing two options during winter weather: Either ground the aircraft or risk being violated. That interpretation said conditions of instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) or high humidity at or below freezing temperatures constituted "known icing." In response, RACCA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and other organizations took exception.