19. Structural Icing, Ice Crystal Icing, Pitot Icing - What's the Difference? (AH5017)

Structural Icing, Ice Crystal Icing & Pitot Icing: What's the Difference? In this episode of Aviation English by Revise Before Flight, I explore the difference between structural icing, ice crystal icing, and pitot icing. Using clear explanations and a real-world case study involving Air Algérie Flight AH5017, I’ll examine how each type of icing occurs, why it creates unique risks, and how pilots should describe these events using accurate Aviation English terminology. You’ll learn: ✈️ Why “icing” usually refers to structural icing ✈️ How ice crystal icing can cause serious failures without visible ice accumulation ✈️ Why pitot icing affects airspeed information rather than the aircraft structure Whether you are a pilot, aviation student, or simply passionate about flight, this episode will help you understand one of the most important distinctions in aviation weather and communication. Check a helpful illustration for this episode on my website www.ReviseBeforeFlight.com/structural-icing-ice-crystal-icing-pitot-icing-whats-the-difference/