PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Winter Flying
Thread: Winter Flying
View Single Post
Old 4th Dec 2011, 19:26
  #41 (permalink)  
Johnm
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 939
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The start point is zero ice on the flying surfaces and windows before you taxi. Use a proper de-icer and don't attempt to scrape it off with credit card or similar as it won't work and will do damage. Don't simply rely on fuel drain tests to ensure no water in the fuel, 'cos the water may well be lumps of ice! Make sure that you are reasonably confident that there was no ingress into the tanks while the aircraft was standing.

While taxiing (ESPECIALLY on grass) make sure that you use carb heat extensively, but don't leave it on for take off.

As a new PPL you won't be flying through clouds but you might have to fly through visible precipitation and you may pick up a bit of ice. If you do, don't panic but be sure to add a few knots to approach speed until over the threshold if it's still there at low altitude.

Those really cold gin clear days when the air is smooth and you can see for miles and aircraft performance is at its best are a delight for pilots, enjoy!
Johnm is offline