Cold Weather Starts

Jesse D. HallenbeckCFI, Snohomish Flying Service

Overview That Time of Year… Operational Considerations Engine Starting Procedures Some Things to Keep in Mind Resources

That Time of Year…

That Time of Year… Winter for pilots means

Uncomfortable Preflight’s Hard to predict weather Uncooperative airplanes that, now, REALLY don’t want

to cooperate Cessna = F-18 (Sort of…) Frozen hands from fuel strainers

That Time of Year… Human Factors everywhere…

Winter time requires a heightened sense of alertness, a more acute focus of attention, and greater care in all that we do in the aviation world.

This is also precisely the time when most of us do the opposite of that Preflight Aircraft Care Preflight Planning

Operational Considerations Oil

Grade’s based on temperature

Cabin Heater Most valuable part! Make sure it’s operational!

Wheel Pants Take em’ off for the winter

Preflight: Give extra attention to fuel contamination Use alcohol additive if appropriate to engine type

Operational Considerations Aircraft Pre-Heat

Warm Hanger Engine Heater External Heater Light Bulb!

Preflight: Removal of frost, ice, and snow The best deicer ever:

Operational Considerations Taxing

Reduced Braking Action Snow Banks

Vmc Increased or Decreased?

Carburetor Heat Sometimes used to help vaporize fuel (Follow

POH/AFM!)

Operational Considerations http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS1TBuPvvj4&feature=related

Engine Starting Procedures Overview

The Facts Some Common Errors Preventative Measures

Engine Starting Procedures First some Facts

Lower temperatures can lead to oil congealing Fuel does not readily vaporize at lower temperatures Battery life is reduced Condensation in lines may have frozen, leading to

blocked lines/strainers/filters etc. Icing over of the spark plug electrodes more common

Both before/during start and during prolonged idles

Engine Starting Procedures Common Errors

Biggest: Over Priming Not abiding by starter limits

Aircraft/engine dependent

Failing to plan ahead Not following the POH/AFM

Example

Continuing to Attempt a Start when it won’t happen

Engine Starting Procedures Preventative Measures

Proper Up Keep! Pre Heating Follow the POH/AFM Fire Prevention

PLAY IT SAFE!

Some Things to Keep in Mind Common Sense goes a long way… Clothing!

Yes: No:

Some Thinks to Keep in Mind Survival Kit

Remember: You don’t have to be Rambo!

Recourses AOPA Cold Weather Course

http://www.aopa.org/landings/icing_b.html?SA=Quizzes&QuizId=114&WT.mc_id=&wtmcid;&WT.mc_sect=ftn

FAA Advisory Circular Search Engine http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet

Aero Medix http://www.aeromedix.com/

Thanks!

Questions?