How does the A320 handle icing in climb and cruise to maintain performance?

• A. Wing and/or engine anti-ice as required, activated per icing conditions and procedures; ensure anti-ice systems are operational when indicated.
• B. Reduced thrust until ice melts.
• C. No anti-ice required in climb.
• D. Use windshield wipers only.

Answer: (A)

Icing protection is about keeping the wing leading edges and engine inlets free of ice to preserve lift and engine performance. On the A320, wing and engine anti-ice are used as required when icing conditions exist, and you activate them according to icing conditions and the published procedures. When these systems are on and functioning, ice buildup is prevented on the critical surfaces, so lift remains high, drag doesn’t spike, and engine airflow stays stable, which helps you maintain the intended climb and cruise performance without unnecessary fuel burn or speed loss.

In climb and cruise, you don’t wait for ice to melt or rely on thrust reductions to “fix” icing. The goal is to prevent ice accumulation in the first place by using anti-ice systems as indicated. Windshield wipers address only the cockpit window and don’t affect wing or engine icing, so they aren’t a substitute for anti-ice.