Register

Potpourri

By the time you read this, itll be late September or early October. In some regions of the U.S., that means leaves changing color, frost on the pumpkin and winterizing the house, the vehicles and the airplane. In other regions, like where I am, it means shutting off the air conditioning, opening the windows and putting a final close cut on the yard. Cooler, better flying weather, along with some seasonal challenges, likely will confront us all soon.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • As seasons change, pilots face improved aircraft performance due to denser air but also increased risks from airframe icing and frozen precipitation, requiring careful aircraft winterization and flight planning.
  • The Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) for unleaded avgas is mired in uncertainty, delays, and unanswered questions regarding its testing outcomes, approval processes, distribution logistics, and potential long-term compatibility issues with the existing general aviation fleet.
See a mistake? Contact us.

By the time you read this, it’ll be late September or early October. In some regions of the U.S., that means leaves changing color, frost on the pumpkin and winterizing the house, the vehicles and the airplane. In other regions, like where I am, it means shutting off the air conditioning, opening the windows and putting a final close cut on the yard. Cooler, better flying weather, along with some seasonal challenges, likely will confront us all soon.

For many, it may mean installing a winterization kit on the airplane’s engine, to help keep the oil and cylinders warm at low power settings. It also could mean installing new door or window gaskets to keep out the coming cold air, or even switching floats for skis. For those parking their airplane outside, it may also mean a few trips to the airport to sweep off snow before it freezes and hardens, making removal more of a chore.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE