Which statement describes clear ice?

• A. The ratio between lift pressure and dynamic pressure.
• B. Glossy, clear, or translucent ice formed by relatively slow freezing of large, supercooled water droplets.
• C. The boundary between two air masses where cold air is replacing warm air.
• D. A low-power beacon installed at an ILS marker.

Answer: (B)

Clear ice is a glossy, transparent or translucent layer that forms when large supercooled water droplets strike an aircraft and freeze slowly. Because the droplets freeze gradually, water spreads and then solidifies, producing a thick, strong ice sheet that adheres to surfaces and often occurs with freezing rain or drizzle. This type of ice contrasts with rime ice, which forms from small droplets that freeze quickly, trapping air and creating a milky, opaque coating. The other statements describe lift or dynamic pressure relationships, a weather front, and an ILS marker beacon, none of which pertain to how ice forms on aircraft surfaces.