What procedure is recommended to avoid aircraft icing?

Using anti-ice and de-ice equipment is the recommended procedure to avoid aircraft icing because these systems are specifically designed to prevent the accumulation of ice on critical aircraft surfaces. Ice can significantly impact aircraft performance by altering the aerodynamic properties, increasing drag, and potentially leading to a loss of control. Anti-ice systems work by providing heat to surfaces such as wings and tail sections to prevent ice formation, while de-ice systems remove ice that has already formed.

The other options do not effectively address the issue of aircraft icing. For instance, flying at low altitudes may not necessarily help avoid icing, as icing conditions can occur at various altitudes. Remaining in clouds during icing conditions can exacerbate the problem, as clouds often contain supercooled liquid water that contributes to ice accumulation. Finally, landing immediately if icing is suspected might not always be practical or safe, especially if the aircraft is in a cruise phase far from suitable landing options.