Preparing an aircraft for winter flying requires more than the standard warm-weather preflight. Cold temperatures introduce unique hazards like frozen components, contaminated air data systems, stiff control surfaces, and moisture in the landing gear, which demand a pilot’s attention long before engine start.
Understanding the Winter Preflight Mindse
A proper winter preflight begins before you even touch the aircraft. It’s important to dress appropriately for the temperature, jacket, gloves, and layers, because cold conditions slow you down, and rushing leads to missed details. Unlike summer flying, winter operations require you to anticipate frozen components, reduced battery performance, contamination on critical surfaces, and adherence to your aircraft’s cold-weather operational procedures. Taking your time is not optional, it’s essential.
Engine and Cold-Weather Start Procedures
The engine is the heart of winter preflight safety. Whenever possible, keep the aircraft in a heated hangar to reduce cold-start stress on cylinders, oil, and other accessories. Before starting, reference the cold-weather operations section of your pilot operating handbook (POH) or Airplane Flying Handbook (AFM).There are often detailed procedures such as required preheat, priming differences, or limitations on start attempts. Following these steps precisely preserves engine health and ensures smoother, safer starts when temperatures drop.
Pitot-Static System and Flight Instrument Reliability
Cold weather can threaten your pitot-static system with ice, frost, or moisture. Ensure the pitot tube, static ports, and drains are completely free of obstruction. Using a pitot tube cover during parking or overnight stays can prevent frost from forming in the first place. A blocked pitot-static system may lead to unreliable airspeed and altitude indications, one of the most dangerous in-flight scenarios for any pilot. Winter flying demands extra diligence here.
Control Surfaces, Landing Gear and Hidden Ice Hazards
Control surfaces must move freely without any binding or stiffness. Snow and ice can accumulate around hinges and flap tracks, so visually inspect and physically check for full, unrestricted motion.
The landing gear and brake system also deserve close inspection, especially after operating on snow, or slush, covered taxiways and runways. Slush can freeze onto wheel assemblies and brake lines, limiting function or causing damage on your next flight. Aircraft with wheel pants, like 23MZ, are particularly vulnerable, they can trap moisture, so consider moving the aircraft into a heated hangar to melt and dry any accumulated slush before you depart.
Start a Free Two-Week Trial at MzeroA
Love our videos and eager to learn more? Are you passionate about aviation, or do you want to learn how to fly? Now’s the perfect time to explore further with a 2-week free trial of MzeroA’s Online Ground School. Take that “discovery flight” into MzeroA’s courses to see if we are the right fit for you!