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 significantly more time and careful preparation, including thorough pre-flight inspections, gentle de-icing (melting/wiping, not scraping), and essential engine preheating.
Aircraft handling procedures differ based on storage (hangar vs. ramp), requiring strategic use of heat for defrosting, meticulous drying to prevent refreezing, and precise maneuvering to avoid damage.
Personal safety and equipment management are crucial, emphasizing dressing in layers, using carbon monoxide detectors, conserving battery life in cold conditions, and exercising extreme caution during ground operations due to reduced traction.

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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.