A method of managing a gas turbine engine variable area fan nozzle includes the steps of evaluating an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. A variable area fan nozzle position is altered if ice is likely present or actually present. The gas turbine engine includes a fan nacelle including a flap configured to be moveable between first and second positions. An actuator is operatively coupled to the flap. A controller is configured to evaluate an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. The controller is configured to alter a variable area fan nozzle position schedule if ice is likely present by providing a command to the actuator to adjust the flap from the first position to the second position.