Would You Consider This Reckless...

[Mick F]

Very very dangerous.

Hell I've had someone come and spray my aircraft with warm water just to remove frost from the wings! Let alone a whole snow covered wing.

Disappointing to see anyone to do this.

Mick

[Matt_L]

This is a quote direct from the A320 FCOM or Flight Crew Operating manual- effectively the pilots bible for larger aircraft like the A320.

SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES - ADVERSE WEATHER - COLD WEATHER:

EXTERIOR EXPECTION

SURFACES....CHECKED FREE OF FROST, ICE AND SNOW

All surfaces of the aircraft (critical surfaces : leading edges and upper surfaces of wings, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, all control surfaces, slats and flaps) must be clear of snow, frost and ice for takeoff.

Thin hoarfrost is acceptable on the upper surface of the fuselage.

Note: Thin hoarfrost is typically a white crystalline deposit which usually develops uniformly on exposed surfaces on cold and cloudless nights; it is so thin that a person can distinguish surface features (lines or markings) beneath it.

Clearly the surface of the wing, markings etc cannot be seen through the snow deposits so it is extremely dangerous. Numerous major crashes have occured straight after takeoff as a direct result of what can be seen in the video and de-icing not being done.

What is more suprising is that Aeroflot is defending the pilots actions on Twitter etc. Wait for the industry backlash - Im sure it will come soon enough!