The colder temperatures come on quickly once October comes to a close, no matter where you live in the High Flying Hangars network across the U.S. While you may have your own steps you take to get ready for winter, we have our top 5 items for preparing your airplane and yourself for the season ahead compiled into the checklists below.
What would you add to the following items? We want to hear from you, with your best winterizing tips.
Your Winter Plane Checklist
- Set up a battery minder or charging system for easier cold-weather starts. When ambient temps regularly fall below freezing, your plane’s battery health can drop off quickly.
- Blanket your cowling to trap heat from a portable or installed preheating system with a specially made covering. If you can invest in a preheat system for your airplane, you may also put it on a remote timer in your WiFi-connected hangar.
- Check that your oil meets the specs for flight in temps below 40 degrees F. Cold weather ops often mean a lighter-weight lubricant will enhance engine life and performance. While you’re at it, check your tire pressure, as cold temps drive those pressures lower as air inside becomes denser.
- Stock up on ice melt and shovels for clearing in front of the hangar. If you’re lucky—or wise enough to have planned this—your hangar door faces the winter sun’s arc through the sky, prompting faster melting of snow and ice. Look for ice formation on your airplane as well, as water may freeze in control surfaces and under wheel pants.
- Check your space heater(s) and/or HVAC unit(s) inside the hangar for safe winter operations. Check your fire extinguishers too, while you’re at it.
Your Winter Pilot Checklist
- Make sure you are night current prior to flight with passengers. Shorter days mean the darkness creeps up on us quickly.
- Make a proficiency plan for yourself to stay fresh during months when you may not fly as regularly or take trips with your airplane. Schedule time with an instructor to fly a few instrument approaches, if you’re rated, or brush up on maneuvers you don’t normally practice.
- Take any recurrent training required by your insurance company (or your own best practices) if it fits into your schedule during the slower months—if this is the case for you.
- Dress for the weather outside when you fly. Layers work well in the cockpit; you’ll want to keep that jacket, hat, and gloves close by, and make sure your footwear is adequate for the terrain over which you’re flying.
- Drop hints on appropriate pilot-y gifts to your loved ones—or arrange for a discovery flight as a present for the person you know would make a great pilot.
With the right preparation, you can have your plane and yourself ready for enjoying the magic of flying in winter: great airplane performance, unique views, and cosy flights with family and friends.
