Sir, - The ancient Greeks, for all their sophistication, were under the misapprehension that the wax holding the feathers on to the wings made for Icarus by his papa melted when his excessive altitude brought him too close to the Sun hence the myth. We now know better; over about 15 thou' you are subject to icing, and your aerofoil and consequently your lift go. QED. - Yours, etc,
Kenagh,
Co Longford