What typically results in airframe icing?

Airframe icing typically occurs when an aircraft flies through visible moisture, such as clouds, mist, or rain, at freezing temperatures. The combination of moisture and temperatures at or below the freezing point allows for supercooled water droplets to exist. When these droplets come into contact with the aircraft's surfaces, they freeze upon impact, leading to ice formation on the airframe. This icing can significantly affect the aircraft's performance, handling, and safety by altering aerodynamic properties and increasing weight.

In contrast, flying through clouds with high-temperature air would not lead to icing, as the conditions would be too warm for ice to form. Similarly, humidity levels below 50% in cold air are typically not conducive to significant moisture availability for ice to form, and clear skies with low temperatures usually lack the visible moisture necessary for icing events to occur. Understanding these conditions is crucial for pilots to avoid icing and ensure safe flight operations.