Section 4 – Normal procedures
NORMAL PROCEDURES CHECKLIST
3. NORMAL PROCEDURES CHECKLIST
3.1. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COLD WEATHER OPERATIONS
Engine cold weather operation
Refer to Rotax 912 Series Operators Manual, last issue, providing instructions for
operating media (lubricant and coolant specifications) to be used in cold weather
operation.
Parking
When the airplane is parked in cold weather conditions and it is expected to be
soaked at temperatures below freezing, some precautions need to be taken.
Clear snow, slush, and ice in the parking area, or at least clear the area around the
tires to prevent them from freezing to the ground. Apply plugs on Pitot and static
ports.
The exposed airframe parts should be protected, especially the engines, the
wheels, the blades and the gears against the snow or ice accumulation. Water and
other freezable liquids should be removed from the airplane.
Standing water that could freeze should be removed from critical parts, as flaps
and ailerons hinges, trim tabs hinges, drain points, LG doors, cabin doors etc.
With an ambient temperature of below -20°C, remove battery and store in a warm
dry place; additionally in order to prevent a heavy discharge and to increase the
battery life time, it is recommended to use an external power source for engine
starting at temperatures lower than –15°C.
When wheel brakes come in contact with ice, slush, or snow with freezing condi-
tions, the brake disk may freeze: park the aircraft with parking brake control knob
in OFF position and ensure the aircraft is properly chocked and moored.
In any case, when the probability of ice, snow, or heavy frost is forecast, the use
of a hangar is strongly recommended.
An external inspection of the aircraft is performed before each flight, as pre-
scribed on Section 3.1.
For cold weather operations, the crew must focus on the check of following parts
of airplane (free of snow/ice/standing water).
control surfaces
fuselage
wings
vertical and horizontal stabilator
stall warning switch
engine inlets
engines draining points
propeller blades
LG doors
Pitot, and static ports
fuel tank vents
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