Cold Weather Aircraft Operations Policy

Cold weather aircraft operations can be a very satisfying aviation experience. It also presents some pre-flight challenges the renter/pilot needs to be aware of.  In addition to problems inherent in starting a cold engine, ice, snow, and frost on the aircraft must be completely removed prior to flight. When planning a flight or lesson, particularly early in the morning, you should allow yourself an extra 30 – 60 minutes to prepare the airplane and insure the flight can be made safely.

To help make your cold weather flying experience as safe and enjoyable as possible, Air Associates has adopted the following cold weather aircraft operations policy.

If snow, sleet or frost is expected overnight and the following day is expected to be suitable for flying:

1.    Every effort will be made to house rental aircraft scheduled to fly early the next day in the main hanger. Hangar space is limited and must be reserved for monthly hangar customers, as well as some space allocated to transients. Because of this, you should not expect the airplane you are renting to be in the hangar the night before.

2.    If hanger space is limited that evening, Line Service will make every attempt at moving aircraft temporarily out of the hanger first thing in the morning, to allow the defrosting of rental aircraft, prior to the time the aircraft is to be rented.

3.    There may be occasions where Line Service is completely tasked with servicing and positioning transient and home based  aircraft for early departure.  We ask for your patience, as the Line Service team will attempt to satisfy your aircraft defrosting needs as soon as possible. We encourage you to, and your instructor, to proceed with defrosting the airplane, once it has been pulled into the hangar. Many times, if the sun is out, simply expose the wings to the sun and the aircraft will defrost quickly.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this cold weather policy please contact Reg Gast or Tom Cargin at any time.