Preflight Brief: Winter Flying-Smart Prep for Cold Skies

Welcome to the Safety Section of the Flying Clubs Newsletter, Club Connector!        

Every month we provide resources for flying club safety officers to keep their clubs informed and safe. We include links to PowerPoint presentations (and smaller PDFs) that we use at our own meetings, so there is always a topic ready for your club’s next safety meeting. Along with the presentations, we also provide links to relevant articles, videos, and other media that you may also find useful. You can find this month’s safety article and the full archive, here: https://youcanfly.aopa.org/flying-clubs/flying-club-newsletter/safety         

So, let’s get on with this month’s safety topic!         

Background:   

Flying in winter conditions introduces a unique set of operational challenges that demand heightened awareness, preparation, and adaptability from pilots. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and limited daylight can affect aircraft performance, increase the risk of mechanical issues, and complicate emergency response. Pilots must account for longer preparation times, ensure their aircraft is properly equipped and maintained for cold weather, and be ready to respond to unexpected situations, including off-airport landings. Proper clothing, survival gear, and route planning are essential components of safe winter operations. Understanding these factors and integrating them into pre-flight planning and in-flight decision-making can significantly enhance safety and confidence during winter flights.

Learning points:    

Winter Operations Take More Time

• Dressing for the environment, clearing snow, and preflighting in cold weather all require additional time and effort.

• Plan for longer commutes and preflight activities, especially if the aircraft is not hangered.

Thorough Preflight is Critical

• Remove all ice, snow, and frost from the aircraft.

• Check for frozen control linkages, fuel drains, vents, and ensure proper engine preheat.

Use the Correct Oil and Engine Procedures

• Follow manufacturer guidance for oil viscosity.

• Allow extra time for engine warm-up and taxiing on slippery surfaces.

Taxiing and Takeoff Require Caution

• Snow and ice reduce traction and control effectiveness.

• Plan turns and stops well in advance and be prepared for longer takeoff and landing rolls.

Dress for Survival

• Wear layered, insulated, and waterproof clothing.

• Include gloves, insulated boots, and head protection.

Carry Survival Gear on Your Person

• Essential items include a knife, multi-tool, fire-starting materials, headlamp, and compass.

• Assume you may only have access to what’s in your pockets after an emergency landing.

Supplement with a Survival Vest or Pack

• Include first aid supplies, food rations, signaling devices, and shelter materials.

• Keep gear accessible in case of emergency.

Plan Your Route Wisely

• Consider routes that follow roads or railways for easier rescue access.

• Avoid direct routes over remote or mountainous terrain when possible.

File a Flight Plan and Use Flight Following

• Always file a flight plan and consider using a trusted agent for check-ins.

• Satellite communication devices can enhance safety in remote areas.

Stay Put After an Off-Airport Landing

• If uninjured and properly equipped, staying near the aircraft improves chances of rescue.

• Hiking out can be dangerous and energy-intensive in winter conditions.

Preparation, Planning, and Performance

• Success in winter flying depends on thorough preparation of pilot, passengers, and aircraft.

• Constantly assess whether the flight is going according to plan and be ready to adapt.

Proficiency Matters

• Regular training with a CFI and participation in the FAA WINGS program builds confidence and skill.

• Perfect practice leads to better decision-making and safer flying.

Other Safety Resources:         

Here is a reminder of just some of the safety resources available to all pilots:         

FAASTeam:         

faasafety.gov         

The FAASTeam website is the portal to a vast array of courses, videos, links, and much more.  Remember that WINGS not only encompasses knowledge activities but also flight activities.  Use the search options to narrow down to say, flight activities for a basic phase of WINGS, and you’ll be able to find a syllabus and often a worksheet for various flight activities.  Use WINGS to keep you proficient and think of the flight activities as a progressive flight review—earnt over 12-months, rather than at the end of 24-months.         

Wait…you don’t do WINGS?         

That’s a big shame—you are missing out on a free pilot proficiency program that will help you enjoy your flying even more, allow you to earn a flight review every 12 months just by flying, and may provide insurance discounts.         

The FAASTeam WINGS pilot proficiency program is the best way for general aviation pilots to ensure they are competent, confident, and safe in their flight operations.   Oh, and being perpetually proficient will save you money in the long run.           

If you are interested in using the FAASTeam WINGS program for your personal flying or with your flying club, create an account on the FAASTeam website, http://www.faasafety.gov, and explore the collection of courses and flight activities.  Also, feel free to contact me (Jason Levine, WINGS Representative), and I’d be pleased to walk you through the program.  More on “WINGS for Clubs” can be found here in Flying Clubs Radio Episode 8 and the May 2020 Question of the Month.           

Other FAA Resources:         

Don’t forget to regularly revisit these FAA safety gems, as new material is frequently added:         

Pilot Minute         

57 Seconds to Safer Flying         

FAA Safety Briefing Magazine         

From the Flight Deck            

AOPA Air Safety Institute:         

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute         

AOPA’s Air Safety Institute (ASI), which by the way is funded by the AOPA Foundation just like the Flying Clubs Initiative, is packed with exceptional content, including exceptional videos, podcasts, accident analysis, online courses, recorded webinars and more.  Completing ASI activities may also earn WINGS credits.  Of particular interest to flying club safety officers is the updated Safety to Go section.  There, you can download a selection of topics, each coming with PowerPoint slides and speaker’s notes!