Title:
Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) - Structural Icing
Topic:
Structural Icing Hazards, Aircraft Performance, and In-Flight Risk Management
Speaker(s):
Richard Mend - ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI FAASTeam Representative
Brief Description:
How much ice does it take to turn a perfectly capable airplane into one that can no longer maintain controlled flight? Structural icing can dramatically reduce lift, increase drag, alter stall characteristics, and compromise aircraft performance. Understanding how ice forms, where it is encountered, and how quickly conditions can deteriorate is essential for pilots operating in colder weather.
This seminar examines the causes and dangers of structural icing, including atmospheric conditions conducive to ice formation, different types of airframe ice, aircraft performance degradation, icing forecasts and reports, and the capabilities and limitations of ice protection systems. Through accident case studies and practical scenarios, attendees will explore preflight planning strategies, recognizing developing icing conditions, and making timely decisions to avoid or escape hazardous situations.
Select Number:
WP01147111
Location of Seminar:
LA Flight Academy
7900 Balboa Blvd
G6 Prop Park West
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Directions to Venue:
Easy access from Balboa Blvd. Plenty of free parking. Seminar length approximately 2 hours.
View Map
Seating:
50
seats at the facility,
49
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Why Attend:
Even pilots based in Southern California can encounter significant icing hazards when flying through winter weather, crossing mountainous terrain, or operating at higher altitudes. Structural icing can develop rapidly and may become dangerous before a pilot fully recognizes its impact on aircraft performance. This seminar provides practical guidance for identifying icing risks during preflight planning, understanding aircraft limitations, and making sound decisions when conditions change unexpectedly.
Space is Limited - Advance Registration Encouraged
Pre-registration helps ensure seating availability and supports timely FAA WINGS credit processing. Questions regarding the seminar may be directed to Richard Mend at 818-636-1021 or mendaviation@sbcglobal.net.
What to Bring:
Please bring something to take notes with (pencil and paper recommended). The seminar is held inside an airplane hangar, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a light jacket, as temperatures may vary during the presentation.
About the Speaker:
Richard Mend ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI - FAASTeam Representative - Longtime professional instructor in the Los Angeles Basin with extensive experience operating from nearly every local airport. Mr. Mend has instructed pilots pursuing virtually every certificate and rating and brings decades of operational and mechanical experience to his presentations.
Program Support:
Kris Hughes CFI CFII AGI IGI - FAASTeam Representative - Supporting seminar coordination, FAA WINGS participation, and pilot proficiency initiatives for the Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) series.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-Person Safety Promotion to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents:
