Flying 20 Cold Weather Operations

(see also Winter Flying, in the Operating Manuals section of the library)

Use of electric crankcase heaters

During the cold weather months (generally November – March), the aircraft crankcase heaters are to be kept plugged in at all times while the aircraft are parked on the ramp at Reliant, as well as other airports that allow for this. The plugs for the crankcase heaters are in the oil dipstick compartment of the Archers, and inside the front cowling air vent (copilot side) on the Dakota.

The crankcase heaters are thermostatically controlled and the aircraft are flown regularly enough that there is no harm in doing this. This will ensure that the aircraft engines (and more importantly the engine oil) are kept warm for starting.

Engine pre-heats are not required when the crankcase heaters are in use, and warm weather engine starting procedures apply (4 shots of prime, or 3 seconds when using the electric primer in the Archer III - see cold starting guidelines below).

Engine pre-heat guidelines if no electrical outlets available

When the engine cylinders are cold to the touch (e.g. when the crankcase heaters are not used at an airfield without plugs), then cold weather starting procedures apply. It is a club requirement that the engines be pre-heated anytime the CHT and/or oil temperature is below 50F (as reported by the engine monitor during your preflight).

If it is very cold (e.g. below 10 degrees F), then it is a good idea to pre-heat the cabin as well. This will ensure that the aircraft instruments and avionics are at an operating temperature required for reliable operation. When pre-heating the cabin with a fuel fired unit, be sure that the cabin is well ventilated as these pre-heaters could fill the cabin with potentially dangerous levels of CO and CO2.

The club will reimburse 100% of the FBO charges for pre-heat service. Simply include the receipt with your monthly bill, and deduct the cost of the pre-heat from your payment.

There is also a club-owned propane fired pre-heater in the club's storage bin that may be used if the crankcase heater is inoperative and the Reliant line crew is not available to provide pre-heat service. This unit must remain at Reliant as it is illegal to carry propane on our aircraft. See the club web library for operating instructions (Red Dragon Pre-Heater).

Cold starting guidelines

A cold engine will require additional priming. As a general rule, use 5 good shots of prime (or 5 seconds using the electric primer in the Archer III). If the engine does not start after 5 seconds of cranking it may need additional priming; usually no more than another 3 shots or 2-3 seconds on the electric primer. If the engine still does not start after an additional 5 seconds of cranking, the plugs may be frosted over. If this occurs your only recourse is to wait until the engine thaws or have the plugs removed and defrosted. DO NOT over crank the engine as this will damage the starter.

Be sure that the engine has come up to normal operating temperature before takeoff (oil temp in the green). Usually the time required to taxi to the run-up area and perform an engine run-up is sufficient for the engine to come up to normal operating temperature. The engine should respond smoothly to the application of full power when taking off, otherwise abort the takeoff.

Aircraft de-icing procedures

ALL ICE AND FROST MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE AIRCRAFT WINGS AND CONTROL SURFACES BEFORE FLIGHT! Be mindful to remove ice from both the top and bottom lifting surfaces, and in particular the underside of the stabilator to avoid a tail plane stall. Also check the prop and the presence of ice in the spinner that could cause a prop imbalance (see below).

There is usually a de-icing solution (propylene glycol) in a pump sprayer in one of the storage bins on the ramp; otherwise contact Reliant or your FBO for assistance. Use the de-icing solution to loosen the ice, then wipe the ice free with a cloth. DO NOT use scrapers of any kind to remove the ice as this will damage the aircraft paint! The best way to remove aircraft ice is to position the aircraft facing the sun and go have a cup of coffee. In 15-20 minutes, the ice should be easy to wipe off with a cloth.

Overnight hangaring

If you are planning a winter flight and would like the aircraft to be free of ice and ready to fly, consider hangaring it. Reliant will provide hangar service provided you give them reasonable notice. The cost of this hangaring service is $75 (as of 1/10/2020), and the club will pay half of this cost. You will be charged for your share of the cost (or the full cost if hangaring at another airport) in your monthly bill.

Post-flight procedures - props vertical!

Always be sure to position the prop in the vertical position when securing the airplane. This will allow water to drain from the spinner and prevent ice from collecting where it could cause a potentially damaging prop imbalance.

First, ensure that the MAGS ARE OFF (to prevent the engine from starting!) and that the aircraft is securely tied down (in case the engine does start due to a bad P-lead). Remove the ignition key (or in the Archer III, check the top switch panel to verify that the MAGS ARE OFF) before touching the prop. Rotate the prop in a counter-clockwise direction (normal direction of travel). Do not curl your fingers around the prop - act as if you expect the engine to start. Be sure to STAY CLEAR OF THE PROP PATH!

Please be sure to plug in the crankcase heater, and follow the post-flight checklist that is in each of the club aircraft. Be considerate of other members by leaving our aircraft tidy and properly stowed for the next member.