Prepping for Cold Weather Flying

Falling temperatures and shorter days certainly signal to those of us in the northern climates that winter is coming fast. With the colder weather comes hazards that must be considered when flying. To get ahead of the game, it’s best to prepare now by focusing on these areas: 

The Exterior

Take advantage of these last few autumn days to detail the outside of your plane. Clean off any bugs, dirt or visible corrosion on the windows or paint. This will deter snow and ice from clinging to these pollutants when temperatures begin to dip.

Resist the idea of using a power washer to clean the exterior of your aircraft. The force of the power washer will strip the paint and push water into crevices and gaps of the plane’s surface. Instead, use a soft bristle brush and a cleaning solution made specifically for the exterior of an airplane.

The same idea pertains to the plane’s windows. Be sure to use a cleaner made exclusively for airplanes. One that cleans, protects and won’t scratch or leave a distracting film.

Lastly, apply a fresh coat of airplane wax on the exterior. This will help repel snow and ice while the plane is on the ground.

The Engine

It’s essential to have clean, uncontaminated oil running through your aircraft’s engine during the cold months of winter. Using the correct oil and filter is key since lower temperatures mean the oil is thicker, thus putting more pressure on the filter.

Check the aircraft manual to be sure you are using the correct oil weight. Operating an aircraft during cold weather usually calls for oil that is less viscous so that it circulates through the engine quicker once it’s been started.

Avoid frigid temperatures and the possibility of frost-bitten fingers by changing the oil now rather than later. It’s also a good idea to take a quick flight to make sure the new oil is equally dispersed throughout the engine. 

Batteries

Cold temperatures affect aircraft batteries performance. Therefore, it’s important to check them prior to flying during winter months and replace them if necessary.

Start with the main battery. Have it tested to be sure it works at total capacity. If not, it’s best to replace it with a new one. You may want to consider replacing all other batteries such as those found in your flashlights, headsets, carbon monoxide detectors, etc.  

The Pilot and Passengers

Understandably, warm clothing is highly recommended for those traveling by plane during cold weather. Keeping yourself and any passengers warm inside the aircraft normally means utilizing heat that comes from a shroud around the exhaust manifold.

It is vitally important, therefore, to carefully inspect the exhaust system prior to your first flight in lower temperatures. Be sure you have a CO detector (with fresh batteries) in your cockpit as a safeguard for detecting an exhaust leak.

It is also advisable to keep a winter survival kit on board the aircraft, just in case. This includes items such as heavy blankets, additional warm clothing, water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a lighter or waterproof matches and a fully charged phone.

Airplane Storage 

When not in use, planes should ideally be stored in a temperature-controlled hangar during the wintry months. This eliminates the possibility of ice or snow accumulating on the exterior. It also saves time and effort in having to clear debris off the plane or having the plane de-iced before takeoff. 

If this is not possible and your airplane is stored outside, covering the canopy windows, propeller, and tail is recommended. Also, preheating the engine/engine oil for a couple of hours prior to takeoff helps to preserve the life of the engine.

Winter Flying

Rather than storing their planes all winter, many pilots enjoy flying during the colder months. Typically, there’s less air traffic, visibility is clearer, and the low-density altitude allows for better aircraft engine performance and more lift. 

But there are unique challenges to face when flying in cold temperatures. If parked outside, ice and snow can build up on the exterior, making it necessary to have the plane properly de-iced before flight.

The presence of ice and snow on the runway can also affect braking action, as well as safety when walking out to the plane. Check NOTAMS and/or contact the FBO or airport manager to get a report on the current field conditions at your destination.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, so getting a complete weather briefing before flying is essential. It’s also important to plan out an alternate landing site, should the need arise. And filing a flight plan ensures that someone knows where you’re going, in case you experience an emergency.

If your travels happen to bring you to Toledo, Ohio, Grand Aire is here for you. We operate the only 24/7/365 full-service FBO on the field at KTOL. We offer a wide variety of amenities including a flight planning/weather center, 7 acres of ramp space, heated high tail hangars and de-icing services up to 50 feet.

Give us a call at 1-800-70-GRAND or email our team directly at fbo-lineservice@grandaire.com.