The Art of the Airplane Warmup

Do it wrong, and you could be looking at an expensive repair bill or excessive wear and tear on the engine.

Meg Godlewski

Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 11:45 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

Cold temperatures cause aircraft oil to congeal and sap battery strength, which can lead to overworking and potential damage of the starter and engine.[Credit: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

Cold temperatures pose significant challenges for aircraft engine starts by thickening oil, weakening batteries, and causing metal contraction, leading to excessive wear and potential damage.
Mitigate cold weather damage by using temperature-appropriate oil and thoroughly preheating the engine, especially when temperatures drop below +10°F (-12°C).
Various engine preheating solutions are available, from commercial units (some with remote activation) to DIY setups, often enhanced by covers and insulation to retain heat.
Always follow the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for specific cold weather operating procedures, including proper warm-up times and avoiding excessive cranking.

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One of the biggest challenges of winter flying is starting the engine. Do it wrong, and you could be looking at an expensive repair bill, or at the very least, excessive wear and tear on the engine.

Cold temperatures cause oil to congeal and sap battery strength, which can lead to overworking and potential damage of the starter and engine. For this reason, many aircraft manuals, pilot’s operating handbooks (POHs), and engine manufacturers advocate specialized cold weather starting techniques, which include preheating the engine and making sure the aircraft is using temperature appropriate oil.