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The 7 Steps To Safe Winter Flying
f you've ever driven a car The first solution will take
during a cold winter you about two hours, the space heater
know the kind of solution about 15 minutes. It is
maintenance required to keep it crucial that your oil be warm and
functioning through the snow, fluid to properly lubricate the
ice, and extreme temperatures. engine, even in winter. If you
Small plane pilots face similar attempt to fly with thick, cold
issues during the winter months, oil you could quickly destroy the
but unlike driving a car, winter engine.
can be the best time of the year
to fly. The cold air is denser, 2. Protect the wings and
the engine will cool better, windshields from frost with cloth
taking off will be easier, you covers
will climb steeper, and you'll be
able to cruise faster. The accumulation of ice and snow
on the plane can lead to disaster
These key steps will enable in flight. After takeoff, ice and
pilots to make the most of winter snow can cause the airfoil to
flying: change shape and increase
roughness. To avoid this, keep
1. Pre-heat the engine the wings and windshields covered
when the plane is at rest so that
You will need extra time to you can simply peel them away
prepare the plane for takeoff in when you're ready to fly. If you
the winter. To heat the engine, don't have covers be sure to get
either install an electric all the frost off with a push
heating element on the bottom of broom before flying.
the crankcase or use a propane
space heater with a duct to 3. Fill tanks after each flight
direct hot air under the cowling.
Condensation of moisture in the could fill the cabin with carbon
fuel tanks can contaminate the monoxide. Equipping your cabin
fuel at any time of year and in with a detector is an affordable,
any climate. Always fill the easy way to ensure the safety of
tanks after flight to prevent you and your passengers.
this.
6. Descend at a lower rate
4. Break up ice on the landing
gear In the cold, a long descent could
cause the engine to cool too much
Slush or water on the runway can to make a go around. Descending
turn to ice on the landing gear at a lower rate with more power
and can cause it to freeze in the will prevent this.
up position during the flight. To
avoid this, cycle the gear a few 7. Pack winter survival gear
times on ascent to keep it free
of ice. Always be prepared for the worst.
If you crash in winter you will
5. Get a carbon monoxide detector need winter gear, a sleeping bag,
for your cabin and something to make a fire.
An exhaust leak in your heater IS-002
About the Author:
Steven Styles is the President of http://SkyGeek.com, an online retailer offering a huge selection of low-priced aviation parts and material by the top manufacturers in the industry. SkyGeek is based out of the Styles family's Sky Acres airport in upstate New York. Visit SkyGeek today and view their products.
Source: www.isnare.com
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