Control Methods for snow and ice are ______.

Control Methods for snow and ice are ______.

• A. Mechanical
• B. Chemical
• C. Thermal
• D. Optical

Answer: (A)

Snow and ice control on airfields is accomplished through a mix of methods, but the most direct and reliable approach is mechanical removal. Using snowplows, sweepers, and snow blowers physically pushes, lifts, or throws away snow and scrapes ice from runways, taxiways, and ramps, quickly restoring surface integrity and braking action for aircraft. Chemical methods like de-icers and anti-icers play a vital supporting role by preventing bonding and melting remaining ice, but they depend on proper application, weather conditions, and time to work. Thermal methods, including surface heating, exist but are costly and not widely deployed across an entire airfield. Optical methods are not standard practice for general snow and ice control. Because mechanical removal provides immediate clearance of the critical surfaces, it is regarded as the primary control method in many airport snow plans.

Snow and ice control on airfields is accomplished through a mix of methods, but the most direct and reliable approach is mechanical removal. Using snowplows, sweepers, and snow blowers physically pushes, lifts, or throws away snow and scrapes ice from runways, taxiways, and ramps, quickly restoring surface integrity and braking action for aircraft. Chemical methods like de-icers and anti-icers play a vital supporting role by preventing bonding and melting remaining ice, but they depend on proper application, weather conditions, and time to work. Thermal methods, including surface heating, exist but are costly and not widely deployed across an entire airfield. Optical methods are not standard practice for general snow and ice control. Because mechanical removal provides immediate clearance of the critical surfaces, it is regarded as the primary control method in many airport snow plans.