FAA puts a freeze on frost rule

The FAA last month issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FAA-2007-29281) to remove wording in Parts 91, 125 and 135 that currently allows pilots to take off with frost on wings, stabilizers and flight controls “if the frost has been polished to make it smooth.” The polished frost rules are found in 14 CFR 91.527(a), 125.221(a) and 135.227(a). According to the FAA, 11 known crashes shortly after takeoff followed efforts to smooth or polish frost. The polished frost regulations, which apply to large and turbine-powered Part 91 aircraft and all aircraft under Part 135, in the revised version would also automatically apply to any size fractional-share aircraft operated under Part 91 Subpart K. Comments on the NPRM are due by August 7.