What is the minimum approach speed with flaps set to 15 in icing conditions?

• A. 105 knots
• B. 95 knots
• C. 115 knots
• D. 125 knots

Answer: (A)

In icing conditions, the wing’s lift is degraded by ice, which raises the stall speed. Flaps set to 15 help you achieve the necessary lift at lower speeds, but you still must fly above the iced stall speed to maintain controllability and a safe margin. The published minimum approach speed for this configuration is about 105 knots, which provides enough stall margin without wasting energy or increasing landing distance.

Dropping to 95 knots would risk stalling with ice on the wing, while speeds as high as 115 or 125 knots are unnecessarily large for a stable approach with flaps 15, reducing energy efficiency and braking performance on landing.