Updated 02/8/2020

Winter Flying Policies

Pilotsmith’s official policy is as follows:

Cessna Aircraft with winterization kits:

        No pattern work/Stalls below 10⁰F

        DO NOT FLY if below 0⁰F

        DO NOT FLY: if winterization kit is installed above 20⁰F

        DO NOT FLY: if winterization kit is NOT installed below 20⁰F

Cirrus Aircraft:

        Observe Limitations in POH and

        No pattern work/Stalls below 10⁰F

        DO NOT FLY if below 0⁰F

All other aircraft (Cessna without Winterization Kits):

        No pattern work/Stalls below 20⁰F

        DO NOT FLY if below 10⁰F

Instructors may install and remove winterization kits.

ALL AIRCRAFT MUST BE PREHEATED BELOW 32⁰F.  It’s the renter’s responsibility to ensure the aircraft are preheated.  Away from Pilotsmith, the renter must pay for preheat services (not reimbursed).  At 10⁰F it takes less than 10 minutes to cold soak the engine, frost the plugs, and cause damage to the engine on an attempted restart.

There are three approved ways to preheat away from Pilotsmith:

• Heated Hangar
• Tanis/Reiff Engine Heater (If equipped, it may take 3 hours to get the oil up to temperature before start).
• Forced Air Preheater  ← THE FBO May charge the Student/Renter for this Service.

Remember, start your engine carefully!  Overpriming and engine fires are common in the winter.  If it doesn’t start don’t keep adding fuel!  Proper preheating will ensure this doesn’t happen to you!

https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/pic-archive/operations/winter-flying-(2)