Integrated icing diagnostic algorithm assessment at regional airlines

Aircraft icing is a major aviation safety hazard and has been linked to numerous aircraft accidents. In an attempt to reduce the hazards to aviation, research and development activities have been aimed at providing timely and accurate icing detection and forecasts. A number of techniques have been combined into an integrated icing diagnostic algorithm (IIDA) that makes use of the strengths of individual algorithms while minimizing their respective weaknesses. An assessment of IIDA was conducted at two regional airlines. Regional airlines are often overlooked in the design and implementation of new weather products despite the fact that regional air traffic accounts for a significant number of air travellers. Icing is especially problematic for these airlines given that a greater percentage of their aircraft fly at lower altitudes where icing is prevalent. It is envisioned that a product like IIDA may be of benefit to regional airlines which often have few information sources and little or no available on-site meteorological expertise. Thus, the IIDA assessment focused on the utility and perceived benefit of IIDA to regional airlines. Specific objectives of the assessment were to determine the utility of IIDA; assess human computer interface issues; identify potential benefit areas; and identify potential IIDA enhancements.