Enjoy

Winter Flying Safely

By Joan Bubb

It's November; winter is just around the corner, and winter flying in the Rockies can be some of the best flying around! Aircraft perform much better in the cooler air and we generally don't get that nasty convective turbulence in the afternoons. However, there are some operational considerations that we need to keep in mind.

FARs and Aspen Flying Club policy require that all frost, snow and ice be removed before flight. At temperatures below 20ºF (-7ºC), aircraft engines must be pre-heated. If you plan to fly early in the morning, be prepared to arrive at least an hour early to allow time to de-ice the airplane and/or pre-heat the engine. Consider flying after 9:00am so the sun will de-ice the airplane for you. Better yet, fly in the afternoon and let some other early bird do all that de-ice and pre-heat work for you! (Instructors have this one figured out.)

Don't even consider attempting a takeoff if there is ANY ice, snow or frost on the airplane. NASA wind tunnel tests showed frost on an airplane could reduce lift as much as 30% and increase drag by a whopping 40%! Combine these numbers with our high density altitude and you may never even get out of ground effect.

DE-ICING/PRE-HEATING

There is de-icing fluid available for members' use, and it works reasonably well. Again, engine pre-heating must be done any time the temperature falls below 20°F. Both the de-icing fluid and the pre-heater are stored in the room adjacent to the office where the logbooks are kept. Please check with your favorite flight instructor regarding the proper application of de-icing fluid and use of the pre-heater.

DO NOT SCRAPE ice, snow or frost off the airplane (no, you can't use your American Express card!). There are brooms near the oil boxes that may be used to brush snow off the airplane. Please use extra care around the aircraft antennas (especially the ELT antennas). DO NOT use the broom on windshields. Aircraft windscreens are especially susceptible to damage. Even paper towels scratch the Plexiglas, and de-icing fluid stays on the windshield for a long time, making the window hard to see through.

STARTING PROCEDURES

Use of manual priming is generally required in colder weather. Four to five shots of primer are sufficient. Do not over-prime or pump the throttle when cranking the engine; it could lead to an engine fire. Club rules do not permit members to hand-prop aircraft. It can be extremely dangerous.

GROUND OPERATIONS

Beware of icy taxiways, runways and parking areas. Taxi slooowly and use extra caution in the aircraft parking areas on the ramp. Use caution when pushing aircraft back; it can be easy to lose your footing on icy surfaces.

Hope these suggestions will help you enjoy a great winter flying season!!