Detecting Clouds Associated with Jet Engine Ice Crystal Icing

Over 150 jet engine power-loss and damage events have been attributed to a phenomenon known as Ice Crystal Icing (ICI) during the past two decades. Attributed to ingestion of large numbers of small ice particles into the engine core, typically these events have occurred at high altitudes near large convective systems in tropical air masses. In recent years there have been substantial international efforts by scientists, engineers, aviation regulators and airlines to better understand the relevant meteorological processes, solve critical engineering questions, develop new certification standards, and devise mitigation strategies for the aviation industry. One area of research is the development of nowcasting techniques based on available remote sensing technology and cloud models to identify potential areas of high ice water content (HIWC) and enable the provision of alerts to the aviation industry. An international consortium of researchers has investigated various methods for detecting the HIWC conditions associated with ICI. Multiple techniques have been developed using geostationary and polar orbiting satellite products, numerical weather prediction model fields, and ground based radar data as the basis for HIWC products. Targeted field experiments in tropical regions with high incidence of ICI events have provided data for product validation and refinement of these methods. Beginning in 2015, research teams have assembled at a series of bi-annual workshops to exchange ideas and standardize methods for evaluating performance of HIWC detection products. This paper provides an overview of the approaches used and the current skill for identifying HIWC conditions. Recommendations for future work in this area are also presented.