from the FAA:
<Therefore, even though ground operations in ice pellets that are not adhering to the aircraft may not create an immediate hazard, takeoff in such conditions may expose the aircraft to inflight icing that may exceed the ability of the ice protection systems of the aircraft to remove the ice. PIs are reminded that the operator must determine if the icing conditions expected aloft might adversely affect the safety of the flight.>
this is a more difficult situation than one might imagine. more complex issues. I understand all that the fine posters have written, but still, there is one airline taking off in heavy snow or ice pellets and another is not. the faa is still short of answers.
regards
jon
hope you all google the FAA, ice pellets etc to get more info and FLY SAFE.