Flying Fenix in Icing conditions

This guide will help you correctly fly Fenix aircraft in icing conditions.

Note 1: We have simulated icing, systematically. This means that icing will have an effect on your engines and you'll need to look after your engines in icing conditions. There is no visual model of icing.......yet :)
MSFS has a setting called "Icing Effect". This has no effect on our aircraft and you can set this setting to your preference.

Note 2: Airline SOPs may differ.

1. Engine Fan Heating:

Engine fan heating is a feature used during ground operations to remove ice or prevent ice accumulation on the fan blades of the engines. Here's an explanation of when and how it is used:

When is Engine Fan Heating Used?

1. During Ground Operations in Icing Conditions:

   • If there is a risk of ice accumulation on the engine fan blades due to cold temperatures and high humidity or precipitation (e.g., freezing fog, frost, snow, or ice).
   • Ambient temperatures are at or below 3°C with visible moisture present or after overnight frost.

2. Before Engine Start:

   • If engine fan blades are found to have ice accumulation during the preflight inspection, the fan heating function may be activated to melt or dislodge the ice.

3. As part of De-Icing/Anti-Icing Procedures:

   • Fan heating may complement external de-icing processes to ensure the engine fan blades are completely ice-free before starting.

Engine Fan Heating can be enabled on the Fenix EFB's Ground Services page.

2. Ice shedding:

If you've noticed that 1 or both of your engines aren't spooling up to their correct thrust output, you may have some ice on your fan blades that needs to be shed.

When to Perform the Procedure

The procedure is initiated:

• When operating in icing conditions (visible moisture and OAT/TAT ≤ 10°C).
• If engine vibrations increase, suggesting possible ice buildup.
• As a precaution in sustained icing conditions, even if no significant vibrations are detected.

How to Ice Shed - CFM56:

1.   Increase Thrust:

• Increase thrust on the affected engine(s) to 70% N1 or higher.
• Maintain this thrust level for 30 seconds to allow the ice to shed effectively.

2.   Monitor Engine Parameters:

• Observe engine vibration levels, N1, N2, and EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature).
• Ensure engine operation remains within normal parameters during and after the thrust increase.
• If engine vibration levels persist or are high, repeat the ice shedding procedure.

3.   Repeat as Necessary:

• If ice shedding is not successful or vibration levels remain high, repeat the procedure.

How to Ice Shed - IAE V2500:

1.   Increase Thrust:

• Increase thrust on the affected engine(s) to 50% N1 or higher.
• Maintain this thrust level for 30 seconds to allow the ice to shed effectively.

2.   Monitor Engine Parameters:

• Observe engine vibration levels, N1, N2, and EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature).
• Ensure engine operation remains within normal parameters during and after the thrust increase.
• If engine vibration levels persist or are high, repeat the ice shedding procedure.

3.   Repeat as Necessary:

• If ice shedding is not successful or vibration levels remain high, repeat the procedure.

Additional Considerations

1. Anti-Ice Activation:

   • Ensure that Engine Anti-Ice (EAI) is ON while in icing conditions.
   • Wing Anti-Ice (WAI) may also be activated if required by conditions.

2. Avoid Prolonged Low Power Settings:

   • Minimize extended periods at idle or low thrust, as these conditions increase the risk of ice accumulation.

3. Icing Severity:

   • In severe icing conditions, consider cycling thrust adjustments more frequently to prevent significant accumulation.

In the air:

When Should Engine Anti-Ice Be Used?

During Flight

• Icing Conditions:

  • Engine anti-ice should be ON whenever icing conditions are encountered or anticipated.
  • Icing Conditions Definition:
    • Visible moisture (clouds, rain, snow, sleet, or ice crystals) is present, and:
    • Total Air Temperature (TAT) is at or below 10°C, but not lower than -40°C.
  • This includes flying through:
    • Clouds or fog with visibility below 1 mile.
    • Areas of precipitation (rain, snow, or sleet).

• Approaching Icing Conditions:

  • Turn on engine anti-ice preemptively if icing conditions are likely (e.g., visible moisture near or below freezing temperatures).

• Extended Descents at Low Power:

  • During prolonged descent with low engine thrust (e.g., idle), EAI should be ON in icing conditions to prevent ice accumulation.

  When Should Wing Anti-Ice Be Used?

  During Flight

  • Icing Conditions in Flight:

    • Wing Anti-Ice should be turned ON when icing conditions are detected or anticipated during flight.
    • Icing Conditions Definition:
      • Visible moisture (e.g., clouds, rain, snow, sleet, or ice crystals) and a Total Air Temperature (TAT) between 10°C and -40°C.

  • Prior to Descent:

    • Turn WAI ON before entering icing conditions during descent, especially when the descent will be prolonged, or the risk of icing is

3. Deicing/Anti-Icing

Whilst GSX's Deicing/Anti-Icing feature doesn't have any effect on Fenix aircraft, below is the procedure on how to perform this, should you wish. This is the same procedure for both CFM&IAE.