This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.
Most aviation accidents are due to human error. An estimated 69% of non-commercial fixed-wing general aviation aircraft accidents in 2021 were caused by pilot error. However, proper winter preparation can help you stay safe and avoid catastrophic consequences when flying in cold weather.
5 ways to travel safely in winter
Proactive cold weather planning can prevent costly mistakes and save time, resources and, most importantly, lives. Here are five ways you can protect yourself, your passengers and your plane this winter:
1. Organize your cold weather operations.
During the winter season, pay particular attention to the following points:
- After the landing, Fill fuel tanks to prevent the formation of new moisture. Always drain your fuel before flying to remove all impurities and especially water. If possible, this should be done in a heated hangar to ensure that any ice that may be present is melted and removed from the tanks.
- If your aircraft has a carburetor engine, Use carb heat at reduced power settings to prevent carb frosting or melting. Always consult your pilot’s manual first as carburetor ice can cause partial or complete loss of engine power. Carbohydrate ice typically forms below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity, but it can also form at 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% humidity.
- Make sure your cabin has a working carbon monoxide detector This will alert you to potential problems early on, as a leak from the exhaust system into the cabin heater can quickly lead to serious problems.
- Cover the pitot tube, vents and engine intakes to keep insects and small animals away from your aircraft. It doesn’t take much for these little passengers to cause serious damage. In a $1 million damage event, the aircraft’s wing was a total loss after mud wasps took up residence in the fuel vent and prevented pressure equalization in the wing during high-altitude flight. Rodents seeking heat can also get inside your engine through uncovered engine intakes. They can damage the fuel line and suddenly leave you stranded mid-flight without fuel.
- Always have a winter survival backpack on board. If you need to make an emergency landing, having blankets, gloves, hats, food and water can mean the difference between life and death. Check out the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) comprehensive winter survival gear checklist to see the 14 items you should always have in your backpack.
2. Stay current on your license.
View your pilot’s license as a constant opportunity to refresh your knowledge, gain new insights and improve your skills. Attend safety seminars to learn from other people’s mistakes. Don’t deny the importance of knowing your own aircraft. If you are transitioning to a new or unfamiliar aircraft, or are experiencing challenges with your existing aircraft, contact a certified flight instructor (CFI) to get the help you need to fly safely.
Simulators and rental aircraft of the same make and model are useful, but your aircraft may have equipment and safety features that are different from other aircraft you have flown. In serious situations such as a vacuum or power failure in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), knowing your aircraft can be life-saving.
One pilot accumulated a significant amount of simulation time and a lot of time with his CFI, but was unaware that his aircraft had a feature that the flight simulator did not have. This is an example of a fatal accident that could have been prevented if the pilot had been flying his own aircraft and not just a simulator. In a flying event, this one feature probably would have saved his life if he had known it was there.
Additionally, you can require your frequent passengers to attend accompanying co-pilot courses to learn the life-saving basics of operating an aircraft in an emergency.
3. Respect your personal boundaries.
Before each flight, complete and follow the FAA’s personal IM-SAFE checklist to determine if IIllness, Mmedication, SLocke, AAlcohol, FFatigue and/or eMovement could affect your ability to concentrate on the aircraft. Beyond the FAA and aircraft certification limits, it is important to also set your own personal limits and stick to them. Unless you have flown in IMC conditions or there are strong crosswinds, be realistic about what you can handle. Respect your own boundaries and you will avoid most of the claims we see.
4. Take pre-flight and landing preparation seriously.
While preflight preparation is necessary, pilots often get rushed or distracted and forget to take all necessary actions. Always do your walk-through and triple check the fuel lines, gas cap, and fuel levels.
Study airport maps, listen to radio traffic, and read appropriate flight mission communications (NOTAMs). You might be tempted to ignore this if you’re familiar with the airport, but there are many variables that can change. Check NOTAMs for airport alerts about everything from closed taxiways to an influx of birds at the airport that day.
Once in the air, use GUMPS to memorize your pre-landing checklist: Gas, Uundercarriage, MMixture, PRopeller and Switches / SEating belt. For example, forgetting to lower your landing gear for landing could result in total loss of your aircraft.
Most importantly, do not accept an Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance that you are uncomfortable answering and that could pose a safety risk. Pilots often feel obligated to do whatever the air traffic controller says, but you are the final authority and ultimately responsible for your decisions and actions.
In one tragic scenario, a pilot was flying with his wife and friend when air traffic control told him to stay tight, turn base now and be cleared to land. The pilot made some maneuvering errors that resulted in an accelerated stall and the aircraft crashed, killing all passengers on board. If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, prioritize safety, extend your pattern if you find yourself in heavy traffic situations, and ask ATC for a modified clearance.
5. Perform preventive maintenance.
Engines perform better and typically provide a smoother ride in cold weather, but don’t let that delay your maintenance schedule. Aircraft maintenance is determined by time, not distance. An overhaul of the engine, propeller or certain components is recommended or required once a certain threshold (typically 2,000 to 2,400 flight hours or 60 months) is reached. Always check with your engine, propeller or component manufacturer for recommended maintenance schedules.
Also, use your aircraft regularly as sedentary engines can wear out quickly. Stagnant oil in your engine can cause corrosion and other problems. Regular oil changes (as recommended by your engine manufacturer), especially during extended periods of inactivity, can minimize deterioration.
Prevent what you can and plan for the unexpected
Even with the best preparation for cold weather, accidents can still occur. Therefore, take the following steps to ensure you operate your aircraft efficiently and comply with potential insurance regulations:
- Always log your flight time, even if you don’t have time for a commercial flight. Many insurance policies require a minimum number of flying hours to qualify, and more experience can lead to better rates. You must present your logbook as proof.
- Read your policies and review your pilot requirements. The differences between insurance and pilot requirements can cause confusion. So if you don’t understand something, just ask!
Take the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), for example. Technically, this requirement applies if the pilot has not met the instrument currency requirements within six calendar months. However, some insurance policies require an IPC every year regardless of FAA requirements. In one case, a claim following a fatal accident was rejected because the pilot had not completed his IPC within 12 months and his widow did not receive cover for the aircraft or her husband’s death.
Each policy also describes specific pilot requirements and qualifications. For example, if you loan your plane to a friend who doesn’t meet these requirements, your plane will now not be insured.
Winter weather is full of beauty and wonder – especially when it comes to flying. So make the most of your season and do everything you can to stay safe in the air.
ASK A LOSS CONTROL PERSON
Do you have a question about risk mitigation? Email losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com to receive an answer to your question in a future blog.
By Jessica Kernan, Bryan Osejo and Lauren August
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aviation
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2024-03-12 04:03:42
www.insurancejournal.com
