{"id":22674,"date":"2021-12-14T15:50:36","date_gmt":"2021-12-14T19:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartzellprop.com\/?p=22674"},"modified":"2021-12-14T15:50:36","modified_gmt":"2021-12-14T19:50:36","slug":"how-to-prep-for-winter-flying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hartzellprop.com\/how-to-prep-for-winter-flying\/","title":{"rendered":"Embrace the Chill: How to Prep for Winter Flying"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last week, we shared our top tips for preparing aircraft for winter storage. However, many pilots enjoy flying all year round, especially in the cooler months when there\u2019s less traffic, clearer visibility, and low-density altitude that allows for more lift and better aircraft engine performance. If you\u2019re willing to brave the cold, flying during the winter will also help you maintain proficiency \u2014 keeping you and your airplane active throughout the season!   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying in the winter comes with a unique set of challenges, even for the most experienced pilots. That\u2019s why there are a number of extra precautions you\u2019ll want to take during the winter to make sure you and your aircraft are ready for a safe, enjoyable flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the following tips to prep for cold-weather flying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1: Take your time<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cold-weather flights require a thorough preflight inspection that often takes significantly longer than warm-weather flights. Give yourself plenty of time to carefully check things like your airplane\u2019s tire pressure, fuel and oil levels, and propeller system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far too many pilots become complacent and skip items on their preflight checklist, or fall into the trap of \u201cget-there-itis\u201d and rush through the inspection to get airborne. Even when it\u2019s freezing out, resist the temptation to take shortcuts. A good pair of gloves will help make those early morning winter preflights bearable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2: Clear away snow, ice, and frost<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your airplane is tied down outside, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll need to remove snow, ice, or frost at some point during the winter. If you\u2019re lucky enough to have access to a heated hangar, move your airplane inside so the snow and ice can melt off. De-icing fluid is another option if you\u2019re in a pinch. Just don\u2019t attempt to use a vehicle ice scraper, broom, or credit card on your airplane, which can scratch the paint and windows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After clearing off your airplane, let it dry completely. Consider investing in a set of wing covers and aircraft propeller de-ice boots<\/a> to prevent hazardous icy build-up on your wings and propeller during flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3: Warm it up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Preheating is about more than getting a cold airplane to start; it\u2019s a vital way to protect your engine investment. Just one cold start can cause more wear on a piston engine in less than a minute than 500 hours of normal cruise operation! A takeoff with cold oil can also result in a poorly governed propeller and a possible overspeed event. In addition to reducing engine wear and increasing safety in cold weather operations, proper preheating helps prevent cylinder scoring, reduce the chance of frosting spark plugs, and ensure proper oil flow. Aircraft engine preheating also reduces run-up time, helping to save valuable fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refer to your pilot\u2019s operating handbook or aircraft flight manual for cold weather operation guidelines specific to your airplane. In general, if it\u2019s below 32 degrees Fahrenheit outside, it\u2019s wise to preheat your airplane. Consider installing an aircraft engine preheat system<\/a> to speed up the preheating process and preserve the life of your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4: Dress for the weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No matter the season, it\u2019s a good rule of thumb to dress for the weather and terrain you\u2019ll be flying over. This way, you\u2019ll be prepared in case you need to make a stop en route \u2014 or, in the worst-case scenario, an off-airport emergency landing. During the winter, dress in layers, and bring along a coat, hat, gloves, and boots. Be sure your passengers have dressed appropriately for the weather, too. Now is also a good time to update your onboard survival kit with winter gear such as a sleeping bag and wool clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5: Know your alternates<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It may sound like a no-brainer, but always get a complete weather briefing before your flight, so you\u2019re not caught by surprise. Because winter weather can be unpredictable, make sure you have an alternate landing site in case you run into snow and ice. Filing a flight plan will ensure that someone knows where you\u2019re going, which can make all the difference when it comes to emergencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing for icy or windy landings is another top concern in the winter, which is why it\u2019s a good idea to check NOTAMS for braking action reports. While you\u2019re at it, consider calling the FBO or airport manager ahead of time to get the most recent field conditions at your destination. It doesn\u2019t take long for runway surfaces to become contaminated with ice, frost, snow, or slush, making landings hazardous.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Ready for Winter Flying Fun<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, you don\u2019t have<\/em> to put your airplane into hangar hibernation during the winter months. With the right equipment and careful preparation, you can stay safer in the skies and enjoy all the rewards of winter flying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some of your favorite winter flying destinations? Let us know on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, or Twitter<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Follow these winter flying tips to make sure you and your aircraft are ready for a safe, enjoyable flight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":923,"featured_media":16222,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[13,56,150,136,198,529,446,315],"class_list":["post-22674","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-aircraft-propeller","tag-airplane-propeller","tag-aviation-propeller","tag-propeller","tag-winter-flying","tag-winter-propeller","tag-winter-safety","tag-winter-safety-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nEmbrace the Chill: How to Prep for Winter Flying - Hartzell Propeller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Planning on winter flying? 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