What type of icing is noted as the maximum acceptable?

The maximum acceptable type of icing for flight operations in the T-6 is light rime icing. Rime icing occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze upon contact with the aircraft's surface, and light rime icing typically forms when the aircraft is flying in cold clouds with temperatures around freezing.

Light rime icing is characterized by a thin layer of ice that forms and usually does not significantly affect aircraft performance or control. The T-6, like many training aircraft, is not certified for flight in conditions that might create heavier icing. Therefore, any icing beyond light rime could lead to increased drag, degraded performance, and potential loss of control.

While moderate and heavy rime icing significantly hinder aircraft performance due to their thickness and the greater amount of ice that forms, mixed icing presents an additional complication as it involves both rime and clear ice, further increasing the risks associated with ice accumulation. Hence, pilots are trained to avoid any conditions that could yield icing beyond light rime.