Winter flying in most parts of the United States can adversely affect flight operations.
Poor weather conditions with fast moving fronts, strong and gusty winds, blowing and drifting
snow, and icing conditions are just part of the conditions that require careful planning in
order to minimize their effects. Operation in this environment requires special winter
operating procedures.
These pages are designed to refresh the pilot's memory in cold weather operations. Pilots
should assure themselves that they have obtained adequate cold weather knowledge appropriate
to the aircraft used and the geographical and weather environment. Winter flying is not
particularly hazardous if the pilot will use a little extra caution and exercise good
judgment in analyzing weather situations.
The material presented here has been taken from many discussions of winter flying techniques
with highly qualified pilots in various parts of the United States. The experience gained in
accident investigations has also been included in this guide.
This guide contains ideas and possible courses of action for the pilots to keep in mind while
operating aircraft during winter months. It is produced in connection with the Federal
Aviation Administration, General Aviation Accident Prevention Program, as a reference for
pilots desiring information on winter flying.
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