Winter Flight

For those of us flying IFR in locations with a high probability of a white Christmas each year, we often need to recalibrate our aeronautical mindset from summer. We have to switch our weather default from Where are the thunderstorms? to Where is the ice? Winter brings us more challenging preflights, engine starts and airport operations. Even though we are all experienced instrument pilots, its still worth taking a few minutes to think about cold weather operations as we head into the worst of the season.

Key Takeaways:

• Winter IFR flying demands a significant mindset shift, emphasizing meticulous pre-flight planning, extensive weather analysis (especially for ice and strong winds), and allowing ample extra time for aircraft preparation, including de-icing and proper engine preheat.
• Prioritize the "clean wing concept" by meticulously removing all contamination (snow/ice) from the airframe, anticipate potential icing in clouds, and adjust flight procedures, particularly on approach and landing (e.g., flying faster, no flaps if iced), to mitigate risks.
• Execute ground operations, engine start, taxi, runup, and landing with extreme caution due to cold components, slippery surfaces, potential frozen brakes, variable winds, and unique visibility challenges like "flat light" and obscured runway hazards.

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