Winter Flight Operations: Preparing Aircraft for Cold Weather 

Just as heat poses a challenge to flying operations, so does cold weather. Namely, ice, snow, and wind. You might not live in a climate that has raging storms where snow poses a threat, but cold weather and ice can be just as damaging, if not more so. 

In this article, we’re going to talk about how to navigate cold weather, as well as how de-ice systems work and why winter flying requires regular maintenance and vigilance in general. 

Understanding Winter Flying Hazards 

Before you can perform proper maintenance and prepare your aircraft for flying in cold weather, you need to know some common cold weather threats: 

According to AOPA, the challenges of winter flying can be summed up in four words: cold, ice, snow, and wind. These can have a pretty significant effect on your aircraft, including decreases in tire pressure, longer warmup times, and change of airflow. 

So, how can you prevent issues from occurring? 

Pre-Flight Preparations 

The FAA has a comprehensive list for preparing to fly in cold weather. Here are some helpful tips for aircraft preparation: 

1. Use a hangar overnight to keep the aircraft warm and reduce prep time. 

2. Avoid overfilling fuel tanks; fuel expands when warmed and may vent overboard. 

3. Always check fuel sumps for water before leaving the hangar. 

4. Use wing, engine, prop hub, tail, windshield, and cabin covers if no hangar is available. 

5. Preheat the engine using electric heaters, Tanis systems, or firewall-mounted units. 

Pilot and Passenger Safety 

1. Dress to survive, not just for airport-to-airport flying. 

2. Ensure passengers are properly dressed for potential outdoor exposure. 

3. Avoid “get-home-itis.” Don’t rush decisions in poor conditions. 

4. Always file a flight plan and communicate your itinerary. 

Cold Weather Operations 

1. Know your aircraft’s snow-handling capabilities, especially with skis. 

2. Be cautious with braking on ice/snow. 

3. Stabilize electrical power before turning on radios. 

Maintenance Best Practices 

Most light aircraft have de-ice systems to remove structural ice after it forms. If your de-ice systems fail, the buildup of ice on the leading edge of the wings and tail of your aircraft can change the airflow, which in turn can cause a loss of lift and control. This is why it is so important to keep your de-ice systems maintained. 

Here is how an aircraft de-ice system works on small aircraft: 

1. Boots are glued to the surface of the wings and tail. 

2. Thin tubes run from end to end of each boot. 

3. If ice forms on the wings, the pilot activates the boots by hitting a switch. 

4. The boots inflate under pneumatic pressure, inflate, and break up the ice. 

Because pumps cause the inflation of the aircraft’s de-ice systems, there are regulators and valves that are critical to the operation of these important systems. Without proper maintenance, systems can fail, and accidents can occur. 

So, what is the best way to keep your aircraft’s de-ice systems maintained? 

Here are some tips: 

1. Regular inspections (after every flight) and replacements 

2. Clean the boots after every flight to ensure there isn’t debris left behind 

3. Check for damage after every flight 

AAI Provides FAA Certified Replacement Parts on Vacuum Systems and De-Ice Systems 

As temperatures drop, make sure to stay vigilant about keeping your aircraft maintained. The last thing you want is for systems to fail when you need them. 

There is no room for procrastination when it comes to aircraft pneumatic system maintenance. Limited sources for these parts have led to long lead times and high prices. With AAI, you can avoid overpaying and having to wait while your aircraft sits in a hangar for months on end. AAI is a major distributor for one of the only repair stations certified to work on these parts, which allows you to send them in for overhaul, but also keeps a healthy stock of De-Ice Valves, Check Valves, Regulators and Manifolds for exchange.