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temperatures and using the anti-ice equipment. On arrival, flying low visibility approaches and computing landing distances will be the norm, and we may be diverting a couple of times. You’ve heard it all before, but stay with me – here comes the mandatory wintertime review.
The Laundry List
Engine Oil – Check your aircraft manual for proper weight (viscosity) to be used in low temperature ranges. Warm it up before you start the motors. Use an oil cooler baffle if, and when, allowed.
Control Cables – Because of contraction and expansion caused by temperature changes, control cables should be properly adjusted to compensate for the temperature changes.
Oil Pressure Controlled Propellers – Propeller control difficulties can be encountered due to congealed oil. Use caution when intentionally feathering propellers for training to assure that the propeller is unfeathered before the oil in the system becomes congealed.
Batteries – Wet cell batteries require special consideration during cold weather. Test, clean and charge the battery. A healthy battery should need charging only after several weeks of disuse. If the battery is two or more years old, it will probably need to be replaced.
Wheel Wells – During thawing conditions, mud and slush can be thrown into wheel wells during taxi and takeoff. If frozen during flight, this mud and slush can create landing
Keep your plane hangared as much as possible.
Inflight anti-icing will be used more often.
Oil Breather – Assure that the breather system is free of ice. When crankcase water vapor cools, it condenses in the breather line and can freeze and clog. A number of engine failures have resulted from a frozen crankcase breather line. A clog can cause pressure to build up, sometimes blowing the oil filler cap off or rupturing a case seal, which causes the loss of the oil.
Hoses – Hose clamps, hydraulic fittings and seals: inspect all lines, flexible tubing and seals for deterioration and security. Cabin Heater – Each year, accident investigations reveal carbon monoxide as a probable cause in accidents that have occurred during cold weather. It’s critical that a thorough inspection of the heater system be made to eliminate the possibility of carbon monoxide entering the cockpit or cabin. A pressure decay test on combustion heaters is mandatory
for most and a good idea for the rest.
Consider using an oil cooler baffle when authorized.
gear problems. The practice of recycling the gear after takeoff should be used as an emergency procedure only. The safest method is to avoid these conditions or to leave the gear extended an additional 5 to 10 seconds on takeoff when feasible.
Inspect Deicing Equipment – Check deicing boots for cracks, cuts and holes. Cycle the boot system once each week to prevent stiffening of the rubber, which can shorten boot life. Use only cleaning and performance-enhancing products approved by the manufacturer of your system.
Preheat – Use a heated hangar when available both at home and on the road. A couple of hours above 50 degrees should be good. If not, oil pan heaters, kerosene-fueled torpedo heaters and individual electric-type cylinder heaters are good. Don’t leave the aircraft unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher handy. Don’t place heat ducting so it will blow directly on parts of the aircraft such as upholstery, canvas engine covers, flexible fuel lines or oil and hydraulic lines.
December 2021 / TWIN & TURBINE • 25