What potential hazard is indicated by the presence of moderate icing?

The presence of moderate icing poses a significant hazard to aircraft performance primarily because it leads to increased drag and can result in possible power loss. Ice accumulation on an aircraft’s wings and control surfaces affects the aerodynamics of flight, resulting in a degradation of lift and an increase in drag. This can require higher angles of attack and increased power settings to maintain altitude and airspeed, which can strain the aircraft's engines and systems.

Additionally, moderate icing can severely affect the aircraft's handling characteristics, leading to a greater risk of stalls and reduced controllability. Pilots must be aware that even moderate icing conditions can escalate rapidly, necessitating immediate actions like changing altitude, diverting to a different location, or utilizing anti-icing/de-icing systems when available.

In contrast, the other options do not correctly represent the implications of moderate icing. Severe turbulence is not directly correlated with moderate icing, and while there may be instances where icing effects can be minimal, moderate icing typically suggests a more serious scenario. It's also inaccurate to state that moderate icing has no impact on flight safety; in fact, it can create significant hazards that demand prompt and effective management by the pilot.