Winter Flying Lessons

On the off chance you haven’t ventured outside in the last couple of months, it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere. With it comes, of course, bitter cold in some areas, along with snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, stiff winds and obscured runways. While winter flying can be some of the most satisfying of all, it’s best to approach this time of year with an open mind, a flexible schedule and warm clothing. And, as with so many other things involving aviation, experience counts.

Key Takeaways:

• Thorough preflight inspections are crucial to identify and remove all ice from the airframe, control surfaces, and engine inlets, including hidden areas like fuel tanks or control gap seals.
• Effective preheating is essential for both the engine's oil (applied from the bottom-up for maximum efficiency) and gyroscopic instruments to prevent damage and ensure proper function in extreme cold.
• Many critical winter flying lessons are learned through experience, emphasizing the need for meticulous attention to detail, such as verifying hangar services, checking tire pressure for significant temperature changes, and allowing ample preheat time.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.