Winter/ Cold weather flyers help is needed

Posted by Classic-Event3805@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 9 comments

So I’m planning a to fly from KY to IN but I’m a Florida flyer I’ve never flown during this time end of fall/winter around Thanksgiving time.

I’m still deciding, because right now there is supposed to have a cold front passing.

But my experience with cold weather is only : Cold and clear skies/no visible moisture is fine Cold and coulds is a big No go

Am I right on that ?

And right now the forecast is saying 1-2 C at my cruising altitude. 35-40f

I’m planning on leaving morning spend about 2h and come back in the Day leave at 2pm.

Anyone with experience flying during Thanksgiving time in Kentucky/Indiana or similar conditions please advise.

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Ok_Box_3579@reddit

I find the aviation weather website to be a great asset. It can help you look at the freezing level, the icing risk, and the cloud tops. ForeFlight also has this but I still use aviation weather.

A lot depends on whether your aircraft is FIKI certified or not. I fly a FIKI SR22, but even then our systems are only designed to get us through icing, not stay in icing. So when planning altitude and a go/no go decision, I look at whether I can get through a cloud layer where I might pick up icing and get back down with sufficient safety margin. I also try to make sure I know where the warmer temps are - it’s not always down the way.

Skew t charts can also be super helpful because they show you where there might be an altitude you can fly between the clouds.

Bottom line, if you aren’t FIKI certified, I wouldn’t fly into the temperatures mentioned if there is visible moisture. If there is visible moisture and I am FIKI certified, I’d only do it if I know I can get through it within the capabilities of my FIKI systems.

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Mispelled-This@reddit

Forecasts this far out are dubious, but I live in that area and definitely wouldn’t be flying on 11/28 based on what I see so far (low cig with snow/sleet), either VFR or IFR.

Just drive—carefully.

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anactualspacecadet@reddit

Do you have foreflight? Foreflight can display forecasted icing at various altitudes, very useful tool.

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ilikeplanesandF1@reddit

As others have pointed out, you need visible moisture for structural ice to form. Generally, stay conscientious of the freezing levels and where the clouds are. Stay where it's VFR, and if you should find yourself in conditions where there is a risk of structural icing, don't wait around and 'see what happens'. Just get out of the clouds and find some warmer air. If you do that, you'll be fine.

As for starting the plane, if there's a hangar available, great. If not, cowl plugs will help. If you're from Florida, remember cold air is more dense (noticably so), so keep that in mind for priming the engine. Also keep in mind that carbureted planes are more difficult to cold start than their fuel injected counterparts.

Also, something to keep in mind, is that there is snow forecast to move into that general area tomorrow. I don't know exactly where in IN and KY you are planning to flying, but keep in mind that the forecast will likely report when snow is supposed to begin at the surface. Precipitation, including snow, can begin at altitude and dissipate before it makes it's way to the surface. Because of this, remember that you can encounter snow at altitude before it is forecast to begin. And remember that weather forecasts aren't always 100% accurate.

Overall, if you're still on the fence about your go/no-go decision, driving is always an option. If you do fly tomorrow, enjoy the cold weather performance :)

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ilikeplanesandF1@reddit

Another thing to note, since you fly in Florida, is to keep and eye on the carbon monoxide detector when the heat is open. I assume you don't have to use it often in Florida, but I may be wrong

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blacknessofthevoid@reddit

You need visible moisture for ice to form. You right there. Your biggest frustration will be starting the engine when it’s cold. So stay out the clouds and make provisions for keeping the plane in the hangar or possibly a preheat if you have trouble starting before you run the battery down and you should be ok.

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IdahoAirplanes@reddit

I presume you have an IR and use it. If so, don’t fly if the freezing level is at the surface. Know where the VFR weather is. If you accumulate ice do something immediately. Have a plan and don’t think ice will sublimate once out of the clouds. It won’t.

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Yesthisisme50@reddit

Just don’t fly though clouds when it’s below 10C and you shouldn’t get icing

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rFlyingTower@reddit

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