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Winter / Cold Operations
Categories: Trike Talk, Training / Learning to Fly a Trike, Safety, ATC & Communication, Video
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From the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge. [Free Webinar Link below with ATC input & pilot John Ponts from the show "Flying Wild Alaska"]
Question: I recently moved to a colder climate and have concerns about aircraft operations, specifically early-morning departures. What are some best practices to follow?
Answer: Aviation operations in colder climates bring challenges to a pilot used to operating in warmer weather conditions. One key concept that is mentioned in the FAR/AIM for turbine aircraft that applies to piston operations is the concept of a “clean aircraft.” A “clean aircraft” means that an aircraft is free of surface contamination on lift-generating surfaces. Anytime an aircraft is parked outside on a cold winter night there is a possibility of frost. Frost is a concern, since it creates a rough surface, reducing the efficiency of lift-generating surfaces. The AIM recommends that a tactile inspection be performed whenever feasible to confirm that surfaces are clean. The Air Safety Institute produced a webinar on this topic. |
Comments
"If you're getting too cold on your pre-flight, then you're not going to do a good job on it (including cleaning your wing). Moreover, if you go down, you are not going to be warm enough to survive."
I guess this is another reason I layer up rather than electrical suits. Coldest I've flown in is just below freezing (just below 32°F), so I'm no expert.