Winter Operations

At our November meeting, Mark Linsley, from School of Missionary Aviation at Lowell Airport did a safety presentation on winter operations. The following topics were addressed:
Pre-flight and mechanical issues:
Snow removal - critical for those planes that are left outside. Pay attention to those areas, such as the crevices between the wing and control surfaces.

Blowing snow in the tail section; thawing/freezing can add weight to the tail that will throw off the weight and balance.

Pressure can blow off the oil filler cap if the crank-case breather tube gets frozen. You could experience oil spraying on the windscreen - check the oil pressure - if it's still good, it means the breather tube is plugged, not a major engine disaster. Do not panic! Have holes drilled higher on the tube. Check this on your airplane to see if you have these holes.

Flaps - 40 degrees during the pre-flight may use up battery power that you need later. You can check everything you need to check with 10 degrees of flaps lowered.

Take-off in the snow - plan on the brakes getting frozen, especially if you're doing off-field work. Fixed gear and retractable are subject to this, especially when you are taxiing through slush. Be careful bringing up the wheels if they are snow covered - you could burn out your gear motor. Air will freeze the liquid on wheels and brakes during flight.

Pre-heat the engine - pan heaters work well. Remember low-temperature, high-volume of air if you are using a heater/blower. If you leave heat on the engine, Mark suggested pulling out the dipstick, wrap a towel around it and set it back in to avoid condensation on the dipstick which can drip into the engine.

Cover the cowel and cover the propeller - the prop acts like a radiator. If you're going to a remote area, remove the oil, keep it warm overnight and re-fill in the morning.

Landing off field:
Field evaluation may be approximated but how long is the field? Time the field. Fly over at 500' AGL, make sure there are no obstacles. 68 knots = 100 feet per second. Make a first pass. Second pass 200' AGL - you will be able to see more detail (drifts, snow conditions, buried objects). Fly a second pass and time it again. By the third pass, have no intention to land; drag the skies, carry power and go. Pass over again (fourth pass) to inspect the tracks you made - are they filling up with water for example? Take good look before committing on the fifth pass.
Slow the airplane down after landing since the skis heat up and accumulate ice.

Survival gear - how could you haul all of the stuff that is suggested in the Airplane Flying Handbook? Bring a compass - it's not on the list, but at least it will help you with direction. Tom suggested brining along a small mirror which can be used for ground to air communication as well as starting a fire.