Shy Torque,
I'm gonna have to get up early to catch you out!
Tom C,
Close, but no cigar!
"You failed to mention also that precipitation is also included in the definition" (one too many also in there!)
That is because it isn't in the definition. The definition is verbatim.
So, flight in rotor and airframe icing conditions
or hail
or freezing rain/drizzle is prohibited.
As I said, VISIBILITY REDUCTION DUE TO SNOW ALONE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ICING CONDITION. So we can fly in it.
"However, I'm sure the mil also restrict snow to flying in those conditions 'below 500m', do they not?"
Mate, I have not got a scooby what that question means!
If you mean do we have some restrictions to flying in snow, then yes. Obviously it will be different for each type.
For instance:
Flight in falling snow IS PERMITTED in OAT down to minus 30 deg C subject to the following:
(1)Flight is permitted in falling snow of any severity in OAT colder than minus 4 deg C. Flight must be in VMC and visual contact must be maintained with the ground.
(2)Flight in visibilities of less then 400m in OAT of minus 4 deg C or warmer must be avoided.
Finally, as you rightly suggested, WET SNOW is a hazard, and so, flying in recirculating snow at minus 4 deg C or warmer is kept to the mimimum.
Cheers,
Ed
PS. I'm off to Canada in the near future to fly for three years, so I look forward to flying in real snow, not the 1/2 inch covering which seems to grind this country to a halt!
[This message has been edited by Ed Winchester (edited 09 March 2001).]