Nothing stops a travel enthusiast from obtaining the relish of exploring the wonders of the world. Not even severe Canadian winter weather. However, we cannot simply disregard the challenges this season brings. Although winter ushers a bliss of white beauty and adventure, the extreme temperatures that run below negative 30-degree celsius are pretty unbearable. Yet you, as a travel lover, will overlook the harsh temperatures, but your mode of transportation won't.
Winter mornings are often filled with the sounds of your neighbours struggling to start their cars or motorbikes. However, those who face the most significant challenge are those who love to travel through the air. An aeroplane is made of highly integrated parts, and if any one of them, such as an aircraft's exhaust, its engine mount, or the engine itself, stops working, the lives of the people onboard are threatened.
Unlike a car which can quickly start if it stops working on the road, an aircraft pilot does not have this freedom, he/she cannot restart the whole process mid-air. Resultantly, travelling by air can be unsafe and dangerous if caution is not practised, especially in Canadian winter weather.
The aircraft elements affected by severe temperatures in winter include:
- The fuel system
- The viscosity of the fuel itself
- The airframe
- Batteries
- Landing gear struts, etc
In light of the above discussion, we, as the most reliable providers of aircraft part inspection, repair, and maintenance services, shall enlighten our readers regarding the maintenance tips that will help you enjoy a safer flight this winter.
Aircraft Maintenance Tips To Enjoy A Safe Flight This Winter
There is only one rule of thumb for a safer flight in winter:
Prevention is better than a cure.
The more prepared, preemptive, and precautious you are, the safer you shall remain in your flight. Hence, we shall pay particular attention to preventive maintenance and preflight activities throughout this blog.
So, without further ado, let us take off into the realm of aircraft safety:
- Thorough Cleanup Before Winter
We are hoping that you have already done the above since we are in the middle of winter now. But if you have not cleaned up and washed your aeroplane since the season began, get ready to do it with blue hands because this step is absolutely crucial. This is not just about having a clean and tidy aeroplane. The aim is to avoid corrosion and deterioration by all means.
The accumulated dust from the previous flight and the dry weather are major culprits in winter. However, simply washing the plane will not be good enough if a layer of protection is not added to it (as discussed below).
- Optimum Lubrication, Wax And Polish
After thorough washing, the next step is to wax and polish the exterior. The latter is done to provide a protective layer against rust and corrosion. You already know that moisture and air cause corrosion, and to protect any material against rusting, you need to add a layer of wax or oil. The same is done for an aircraft.
Moreover, this polish or wax layer will also make it easier for the ice to slide off the plane rather than cling to it, which further prevents corrosion.
On the same note, lubrication of all the essential parts is also important. Friction between components is the biggest reason behind the wear and tear of any machine. A plane is no exception to this reality. Hence, we suggest you regularly lubricate the parts of your aircraft to avoid friction during winter.
- Regular Inspection And Maintenance
You are not an expert in every aspect of an aircraft. Thus, to remain on the safe side, it is better to involve a specialist who can diligently inspect your plane for any repair or technical maintenance requirements.
- Check The Batteries
Batteries show an abysmal performance in winter. Hence, if you are planning to fly the following day, store the main battery in a heated place overnight. Also, ensure that your backup batteries are charged.
- Inspect The Fuel System Regularly
As mentioned earlier, engine failures are quite common in winter. They are mainly caused by ice build-ups that block the valves and filters. Therefore, make no compromise on this safety tip. Be 100% sure that your fuel system is working well.
- Park The Plane In A Sheltered Garage Or Hangar
As you might have noticed, the biggest reason behind all of winter's challenges is its low temperature. You can avoid most of these problems by simply parking your plane in a well-heated area or hangar. The latter might be a bit expensive, but it's worth it.
About Acorn Welding
Through unwavering hard work and undying determination, Acorn Welding has become the top-rated and most reliable supplier of aircraft parts across Edmonton and the rest of Canada. Get in touch to learn more.
