It’s Time to Winterize Your Flying

If you are in a part of the world prone to snow, ice, and freezing conditions, getting from the ramp to the sky can take a little more time and planning.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 08:00 AM ET

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All the ice and frost must be removed from the airplane before departure. [Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Winter flying necessitates extended preflight preparations, including significant time for defrosting (using heat/fluid rather than scraping), engine preheating, and ensuring the aircraft is completely dry before storage.
Pilots must be vigilant for cold-weather challenges such as frozen components, reduced battery performance, potential carbon monoxide exposure from cabin heaters, and diminished traction on icy or snowy surfaces.
Personal safety requires dressing in warm layers, wearing appropriate gloves and headwear, and understanding ground operations, airport snow removal plans (via NOTAMs), and the limitations of aircraft heating systems.

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Flying does not stop in the winter. Despite the cold, there can be days with calm winds, unlimited visibility, and blue skies just begging to be filled with aircraft. However, if you are in a part of the world prone to snow, ice, and basic freezing conditions, getting from the ramp to the sky can take a little more time and planning.

Aircraft Stored in Hangars

If you are lucky enough to have an enclosed hangar, do your preflight inspection inside with the door closed to retain the heat. Don’t open it until you are absolutely ready to take the airplane outside, then close the door quickly, as soon as it is safe to do so.