Title:
Fog And Cold Snaps - Mastering Florida Winter Surprises
Topic:
Winter Flying Challenges for Florida Pilots: Fog, Cold Snaps, and Safety Awareness
Speaker(s):
Robert Breaux, Ph.D., CFII
Brief Description:
Florida pilots often assume winter flying is free of hazards because snow and ice are rare. Yet seasonal cold snaps and morning fog present unique challenges that can compromise safety if not anticipated. Reduced visibility during early departures, unexpected dew accumulation, and cooler temperatures affecting engine performance are all factors that demand pilot vigilance.
This seminar will explore how Central Florida’s winter weather patterns affect Part 91 operations. We will discuss practical strategies for pre-flight preparation, decision-making under marginal conditions, and maintaining proficiency when visibility and temperature shift suddenly. The goal is to equip pilots with fresh awareness and motivating tools to handle Florida’s winter surprises confidently.
Download and review the Additional Documents at the bottom of this announcement
Please visit the Orlando Executive Airport FAASTeam Library web site:
https://www.fsr-inc.org/FAAST/Seminar/Notice.aspx
Select Number:
SO15140577
Location of Seminar:
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
365 Rickenbacker Dr.
Orlando, FL 32802
Directions to Venue:
From Colonial Drive, turn south on Rickenbacker Dr. Continue through the Fairgreen St. intersection to the end of Rickenbacker Dr. and into the parking lot. Park in any available designated spot. Walk east to the Airport Administration Building.
Orlando Executive Airport (ORL)
365 Rickenbacker Dr.
Orlando, FL 32802
View Map
Fly-in Seminar?:
Yes KORL
Seating:
95
seats at the facility,
89
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
Orlando FSDO FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Teaching Points:
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Recognize the impact of morning fog on visibility and runway operations.
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Understand how rare cold snaps affect engine starts, fuel systems, and human factors.
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Apply risk-based decision-making when weather conditions change rapidly.
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Reinforce the importance of pre-flight self-briefings and conservative go/no-go choices.
Key Takeaways:
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Florida’s winter hazards are subtle but significant.
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Proficiency in low-visibility operations is critical for safe departures and arrivals.
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Cold weather affects both aircraft systems and pilot readiness.
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Anticipation and preparation are the best defenses against seasonal surprises.
For additional background information, please visit the Orlando Executive Airport FAASTeam Library website:
https://www.fsr-inc.org/FAAST/Seminar/Notice.aspx
Thanks to Lindsey Merced at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) for the use of their Administrative Offices; to Senior FAASTeam Rep David Conrad for registration and handouts; to FAASTeam Rep and WINGSPro Eric Mason, M.D.; to FAASTeam Rep Steve Moore; to FAASTeam Rep and DRONEPro KC Sealock; to Obie Young of the Florida Aviation Network, a FAASTeam Industry Member; and to FAASTeam Rep John Tenney.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 2
FAASTeam Project Information:
NPP44, 52, 63, et al
National Project:
Conduct WINGS Outreach to increase of Phased pilot participation in WINGS
Additional Event Documents:
