What impact does frost have on an airplane's performance?

Frost on an airplane's surface can significantly disrupt airflow, which is crucial for maintaining the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. When frost forms on the wings or control surfaces, it alters the smooth flow of air, preventing the wings from generating lift effectively. The irregular surface caused by frost creates turbulence and increases the boundary layer thickness, resulting in a loss of lift and potentially leading to stall conditions at lower speeds. This compromised airflow can severely impact the aircraft's performance during takeoff, climbing, and other critical phases of flight, making it vital for pilots to ensure that aircraft surfaces are free of frost before takeoff.

While other responses relate to performance aspects such as drag or efficiency, they do not adequately capture the primary consequence of frost, which is the interruption of smooth airflow necessary for optimal lift generation.