General Aviation
Accident Prevention Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Tips On Winter Flying
FAA - P - 8740-24
AFS - 800 0879
Most pilots are familiar with winter conditions in their particular area; however,
often a distance of a few miles may change the environment enough to present new problems
to an inexperienced pilot. There are certain precautions that are significant
to winter flying. Flight planning during winter months will require special
knowledge in order to protect the aircraft as well as the pilot. Extra
precautions should be used. Often roads that are well traveled during the
summer months will be abandoned in the winter. To be forced down far from
civilization may create a serious problem of survival. With today's extensive
highway system, most flights in small aircraft would not be extended more than a few
minutes if a well - traveled route were followed. Even the vehicles on the road
can give valuable information. You may see cars and trucks coming toward you
with fresh snow adhering to the front of the vehicles. In most cases, you may
as well start making a 180-degree turn due to reduced visibility ahead.
Of course file a flight plan. A flight plan, in conjunction with an ELT,
and a little knowledge on winter survival may save your life. Experience has
shown that the advice of operators who are located in the area where the operation is
contemplated is invaluable, since they are in a position to judge requirements and
limitations for operation in their particular area.
In making business appointments, always give yourself an out by informing your contact
that you intend to fly and will arrive at a certain time, unless the weather conditions
are unfavorable. You, the pilot, have complete responsibility
for the GO or NO - GO decision based on
the best information available. Do not let compulsion take the place of good
judgment.