Best practices from lessons learned

This article is part of a series sponsored by IAT.

Most aviation accidents are caused by human error. It is estimated that 69% of general aviation non-commercial fixed-wing aircraft accidents in 2021 will be caused by pilot error. However, proper winter preparation can help you stay safe during cold weather aircraft operations and avoid catastrophic consequences.

5 Ways to Stay Safe on Winter Plane Travel

Proactive cold weather planning can prevent costly mistakes and save time, resources, and most importantly, lives. Here are five ways to keep yourself, your passengers, and your plane safe this winter:

1. Keep your cold weather operations organized.

Pay special attention to the following matters in winter:

• After landing, Fill up the tank to prevent new moisture from forming. Always refuel before flying Remove any contaminants and more importantly water. If possible, this should be done in a heated hangar to ensure any ice is melted and removed from the tank.
• If your aircraft is equipped with a carbureted engine, Use carb heat to prevent or melt carb icing during reduced power settings. Be sure to consult the pilot’s operating manual first, as carburetor ice may cause partial or complete loss of engine power. Carbohydrate ice usually forms below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity, but it can even form at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity.
• Make sure your cabin carbon monoxide detector is working properly This will give you an early warning of any problems that may arise, as exhaust system leaks into the cabin heating system can quickly cause serious problems.
• Cover pitot tubes, vents and engine inlets Prevent insects and small animals from entering your aircraft. It doesn’t take much for these little passengers to do serious damage.
  In one incident worth $1 million, the plane’s wing was destroyed during high-altitude flight when mud wasps took up residence in the fuel vents, preventing pressure equalization within the wings. Rodents seeking warmth can also enter your engine through uncovered engine inlets. They can chew through fuel lines, leaving you suddenly stranded mid-flight without fuel.
• A winter survival kit is always available on board. If you have to make an emergency landing, having blankets, gloves, hats, food, and water can be the difference between life and death. Check out the FAA’s comprehensive winter survival kit list for 14 items you should always have in your backpack.

2. Keep your license current.

Think of your pilot license as an ongoing opportunity to update your knowledge, gain new insights, and improve your skills. Attend safety seminars and learn from other people’s mistakes. Don’t deny the importance of knowing your aircraft. If you are transitioning to a new or unfamiliar aircraft, or are experiencing any challenges with your current aircraft, take the time to connect with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to get the help you need to fly safely.

It is useful to have simulators and rental aircraft of the same make and model, but your aircraft may have different equipment and safety features than other aircraft you have flown. In serious situations, such as a vacuum or electrical failure in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), familiarity with your own aircraft can save lives.

A pilot accumulated a lot of simulation time and a lot of CFI time, but he didn’t realize that his airplane had capabilities that the flight simulator didn’t. This is an example of a fatal accident that could have been avoided if the pilots had flown their own aircraft rather than just a simulator. In the event of an in-flight incident, had he known this feature existed, it might have saved his life.

Additionally, you may require frequent passengers to take a companion co-pilot course, where they will learn the life-saving basics of how to operate the aircraft in an emergency.

3. Respect your personal limitations.

Perform and follow the FAA’s IM SAFE Personal Checklist before each flight to determine whether illness, drugs, stress, alcohol, fatigue and/or emotion may affect your ability to focus on the aircraft. In addition to FAA and aircraft certification restrictions, it’s important to set and adhere to your own personal boundaries. If you are not flying in IMC conditions or have strong crosswinds, be realistic about what you can handle. Respect your own limits and you’ll avoid most of the claims we see.

4. Take your preflight and landing preparations seriously.

While preflight preparation is necessary, pilots often get rushed or distracted and forget to take all necessary actions. Be sure to complete the walk-around procedure and carefully inspect the fuel lines, fuel caps and quantities.

Study airport maps, listen to radio traffic and read relevant Notices of Air Missions (NOTAMs). If you are familiar with airports you may be tempted to ignore this, but there are many variables that can be changed. Check Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for information on various airport alerts, from taxiway closures to a large influx of birds into the airport that day.

Once you’re in the air, use GUMPS to remember your pre-landing checklist: Gas, Uchassis, medium sizefixture, phosphorusRopeler and Switch/ SDiet belt. For example, forgetting to lower the landing gear to land could result in the aircraft being scrapped.

The bottom line: don’t accept an Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance that you’re not willing to complete and may create safety issues. Pilots often feel obligated to follow the instructions of air traffic controllers, but you are the final authority and you are ultimately responsible for your decisions and actions.

In one harrowing scene, a pilot was flying with his wife and friends when air traffic controllers told him to hold tight and now turn toward base in preparation for landing. Some control errors by the pilot caused an acceleration stall and the plane crashed, killing everyone on board. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, prioritize safety, and if you are in heavy traffic, extend your flight pattern and request permission to modify from ATC.

5. Engage in preventive maintenance.

Better engine performance often gives you a smoother ride in cold weather, but don’t let that put a dent in your maintenance schedule. Aircraft maintenance is determined by time rather than distance, with major overhauls of engines, propellers or certain components recommended or required after a specified threshold is reached (usually 2,000 to 2,400 hours of flight time or 60 months). Always consult your engine, propeller, or component manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules.

Also, use your aircraft regularly as an idle engine can deteriorate quickly. Stagnant oil in your engine can cause corrosion and other problems. Changing engine oil regularly (according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendations), especially during extended shutdowns, can minimize deterioration.

Prevent and plan for the unexpected whenever possible

Even with the best cold weather preparations, accidents can still happen, so take the following steps to ensure you are operating your aircraft efficiently and complying with potential coverage requirements:

1. Always log your flight timeeven if you don’t have time to fly commercially. Many policies require a minimum number of flying hours, and more experience can lead to better insurance rates. You need to provide your logs as proof.
2. Read your policy and review your pilot requirements. The differences between insurance and pilot requirements can cause confusion, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask!

Take instrument proficiency testing (IPC) as an example. Technically, this requirement applies if the pilot fails to meet instrument currency requirements within six calendar months, but some policies require annual IPC regardless of FAA requirements. In one case, after a fatal accident, a claim was refused because the pilot had not completed an IPC within 12 months and his widow was not insured for the aircraft or her husband’s death.

Each policy also outlines specific pilot requirements and qualifications. For example, if you loan your airplane to a friend who doesn’t meet these requirements, your airplane will now be uninsured.

Winter weather is full of beauty and wonder, especially when it comes to flying, so make the most of the season and do whatever you can to stay safe while in the air.

theme
aviation