"...a. Cruising in Ci/CS cloud, as the airspeed probes became gradually clogged with ice crystals, overcoming the pitot-heating capability, would the system have opposed that apparent airspeed loss by auto-thrust increments - resulting in the aircraft flying faster than what was displayed? i.e. dangerously accelerating towards a coffin corner encounter with its control compromising compressibility effects?..."
He speaks of a trend of lower ias. (unidentified trend = danger). Gradual icing reporting lower (erroneous) speed, with autoflight increases (inappropriate) in Thrust. Once blocked, pitots can still report now a consistent airspeed. Yes?
A gradual accumulation of ice in each pitot is perhaps not uniform, so now discrepant and low airspeeds befuddle the AD's. Added thrust, too fast, the autopilot drops out, and..... back to the shadow.
Last edited by bearfoil; 20th May 2011 at 16:46.