CAA SAFETYSENSE LEAFLET 3 – WINTER FLYING

For those who haven’t had the opportunity to read the whole thing, here’s a summary:

•      Stay out of icing conditions for which the aircraft has NOT been cleared.

•    Note freezing level in the aviation weather forecast. Don’t go unless the aircraft is equipped for the conditions.

•    Have warm clothing available for pre-flight and in case of heater failure or forced landing.

•    Mud, snow and slush will lengthen take-off and landing runs. Work out your distances in advance.

•     Remove all frost, ice and snow from the aircraft – there is no such thing as a little ice!

•      Check carefully that all essential electrical services, especially pitot heat, are working properly.

•    Check that the heater and demister are effective. Watch out for any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

•        Be extra vigilant for carb ice.

•      If ice does start to form, act promptly, get out of the conditions by descending (beware of high ground), climbing or diverting.

•       If you encounter ice, tell ATC so that others can be warned.

•      During the approach if you suspect tail-plane ice, or suffer a severe pitch down, RETRACT THE FLAPS.

•   If you have to land with an iced-up aeroplane, add at least 20% to the approach speed.

•      Snow-covered, icy or muddy runways will make crosswinds harder to handle.

FLY SAFE!