Flying during the winter has its challenges, like properly preheating engines, clearing snow and ice from runways, and adding “frost removal” to your list of preflight tasks. Overall, though, this is a great time of year to fly. Aircraft engines tend to perform well in the cold air, the scenery is beautiful, and it is easier to land and find parking at airports whose ramps might be crowded all summer.
While winter might be a quiet time for general aviation in some areas, there are still events designed to make the most of the snowy season. Numerous airports host fly-ins for skiplanes, giving owners of these typically vintage aircraft a reason to show them off while demonstrating the special skills needed for ski flying.
