When flying through a layer of clouds, which weather phenomenon should pilots be vigilant for?

Pilots should be particularly vigilant for structural icing when flying through a layer of clouds because this phenomenon can develop rapidly in certain conditions, especially in clouds containing supercooled liquid water. As an aircraft ascends into a cloud layer where the temperature is near freezing, the presence of supercooled droplets can cause ice to form on the wings, propellers, and other critical surfaces. This accumulation of ice can significantly degrade the aircraft's performance, including increased weight, altered aerodynamic properties, and loss of lift.

Structural icing can vary in severity, from light to severe, and can pose serious risks during flight if not managed properly. Understanding the conditions conducive to icing—such as temperature, moisture content, and cloud type—is essential for pilots to make safe operational decisions. Awareness and avoidance of icing conditions are critical for maintaining aircraft safety and performance during flight operations, particularly in cloud layers where conditions for icing can be prevalent.