Can you hold in icing conditions with slats and flaps extended?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if both are extended
• D. Only if one is extended

Answer: (B)

When ice is present on the wing, keeping the wing in a clean, uncluttered shape gives you the most predictable, stable handling. Slats and flaps create additional surfaces and changes in airflow, and ice can accumulate on those surfaces more readily. Ice on extended high-lift devices can alter the wing’s lift characteristics, change the hinge lines, and even cause a sudden loss of lift or unusual handling as ice breaks free. In a holding pattern you’re typically operating at lower speeds and higher angles of attack, which magnifies the risk of an abrupt stall if slats or flaps are extended in icing. Therefore, the safest approach is to hold with slats and flaps retracted (clean configuration) and rely on anti-ice/de-ice as available, exiting icing conditions or configuring for a safe maneuver only when appropriate.