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Winter Aircraft Preparation

By Andy Rembert, Aviation Safety Inspector, Airworthiness

Well it's that time of the year again!!!! Soon the white stuff will be falling and the lakes and rivers freezing. Not only does Mother Nature change her attitude but so must we as Alaskan Aviators.

Winter time brings a new outlook to flying in a Alaska. The days become shorter, temperature colder and atmospheric conditions may change in a blink of an eye from severe clear to "Where is my airplane"? We are all familiar with "Murphy" and his law "anything that can go wrong will", and usually does at the most inopportune time. Hopefully this article will get you thinking and preparing for your winter flying adventures in Alaska.

We must keep in mind, as owners/operators, we are responsible for the airworthiness of our aircraft. FAR 43 Appendix A paragraph ( c ), "Preventative Maintenance", allows FAR part 91 operators a great deal of latitude in maintaining their aircraft. FAR part 43 is the guidance to be used when recording any maintenance performed. If you the owner or operator are not familiar with the requirements of maintaining your aircraft, contact an appropriately rated mechanic for assistance.

Lets take a look at the aircraft and associated equipment. The following are some items to look at and some suggestions on preparation and care. I think checklists are an invaluable tool, my recommendation is to create a checklist using these items and/or some of your ideas specific to your aircraft and environment. This checklist can also be generated for your spring preparation. Keep these check lists with your permanent aircraft records for future use. Also remember that any maintenance outside of what is identified in the "Preventative Maintenance" list must be performed by an appropriately rated mechanic. Now, on to the machine.

Landing Gear

(To be done prior to installation or after removal

  • SKI'S- Check for condition of cables and attachment hardware, replace or repair as necessary. Check for condition of ski surfaces for damage.
  • WHEEL'S (If wheel Ski's)- Check for condition of tires, mounting hardware and attach points. Repair or replace as needed. Clean, inspect, and re-grease wheel bearings.
  • LANDING GEAR- Check condition of struts, mounting hardware, all leg or spring assemblies. Repair or replace as needed.
  • FLOAT'S- Check condition of attach points, cables or flying wires, hardware. Repair or replace as needed. Check condition of float bottoms and hull exteriors. Mark any spot of concern for later repair. Coat all bare metal surfaces such as bolt bores with a corrosion preventative product. Prepare an adequate storage area for the winter.
  • HEEL'S (if removed for the season)- Check condition of the tires and attach hardware, clean, inspect and grease the wheel bearings. If possible store the tires in a garage or other heated building.

Covers and Heaters

  • Inspect all aircraft covers for condition. Repair tears and replace elastic shock cords as needed.
  • Check all space heaters for condition, operation and overall safety. HEATERS ARE A GREAT SOURCE FOR FIRE DANGER, BE CAUTIOUS.
  • Check all extension cords for the proper rating of the circuit load to be used and general condition. Replace cords with broken sheathing or exposed wires. It is recommended to use cords rated for cold temps.

Aircraft Requirements

  • Have a good knowledge of the overall condition of your aircraft prior to the first snowfall. Monitor throughout the winter for any significant changes. Place all flight controls in a neutral position and take pictures of the aircraft and close ups of positions of flaps, ailerons, rudder and elevators. (This will be helpful later if heavy snowfall generates concerns).
  • Check fuel cap gaskets and fuel drain conditions. Repair or replace as needed. If possible keep the fuel tanks full when not in use to reduce the condensation build up.
  • If the aircraft is not to be flown for the winter it is highly recommended that you have it and the engine preserved in accordance with the manufactures instructions.
  • Do an ELT check, Tune your VHF radio to 121.5, and at 5 minutes past the hour activate your ELT, you should hear the signal on the radio. (it is preferable to have a radio located some distance from your ELT). Repair or replace as necessary. Verify that the battery expiration date is current, then place your ELT in the armed position.
  • If an oil cooler cover is to be used, verify it's condition and that it has been approved for use on your aircraft.
  • Start the winter out with a fresh oil change. Check your oil pan heater (if installed) for condition and operation. Replace or repair if needed.
  • Make an audit of the aircraft records to verify that the inspections required are current, and ADs are up to date. Make an appropriate entry for all preventative maintenance performed on the aircraft. (If your are unsure about anything in your records ask an A&P mechanic).

Winter Survival Gear

  • ot only is it life saving idea, but Alaska State Law requires all aircraft to be equipped with a survival kit. In the current Alaska Supplement, the minimum required equipment is listed as well as some suggested ideas for additional gear. Some aircraft are not large enough to carry everything you may want, so logic and experience will dictate how your personal kit looks. At -40F, on a frozen lake, 150 miles from anywhere, your gear could be the difference between life and death.

Snow

  • ave a snow removal plan ready. Know the location of antennas and be aware of cords and ground obstacles around the tie down area (Again pictures say a thousand words).Good prevention plans save on costly repairs.
  • If you plan on leaving for an extended period , have somebody ready to help you, train them on the proper method to clean your aircraft.
  • Having ICE SCREWS (found at the local mountaineering stores) and extra rope is a good idea for those remote tie down situations.

One last thought. "THE MORE TIME YOU SPEND PREPARING FOR THE ALASKA WINTER, MEANS THE LESS TIME YOU SPEND WORRYING ABOUT IT". Always file a flight plan and be prepared to say "I'm not going today".

HAVE A GREAT WINTER FLYING SEASON