Which type of icing poses a threat at 5,000 feet?

Light rime ice is a type of ice that can pose a threat at 5,000 feet, particularly when flying in conditions conducive to icing, such as in clouds with supercooled liquid water. This type of icing typically forms on aircraft surfaces when small water droplets freeze upon contact, resulting in a rough, white coating of ice.

At this altitude, the environmental conditions are often right for the formation of light rime ice, especially in colder temperatures where supercooled water droplets are present. Light rime ice accumulates at a slower rate than other forms of ice, such as clear or moderate rime ice, but it can still adversely affect aircraft performance, causing increased drag and reducing lift.

In contrast, clear ice usually forms in warmer conditions and can be more hazardous due to its heavier, more solid nature. Mixed ice contains both clear and rime ice and generally forms in more severe conditions; thus, it is less commonly found at this altitude compared to light rime ice. Moderate rime ice, being the more significant variant of rime ice, would also be a threat but typically requires slightly more specific conditions that may not be as prevalent at 5,000 feet compared to light rime ice, which can form in