Does Anyone Here Fly During Winter?

[oldman]

Flying during winter is different from flying during summer. The planes act differently in the winter compared to summer. The air is denser, so the planes can climb faster. Planes can also reach their cruising speeds quicker, so you may be getting to your destination in a shorter time.

The downside is if the weather becomes challenging. If the pilot is flying into New York during or right after a snow or ice storm, the pilot needs to be aware of the conditions, so he can land without having to worry about sliding off the runway. The pilot may also have to configure his plane a little different to make a safe landing.

I remember flying from New York to Denver and we had just got into Missouri when the heaters went down. It didn’t take long for the passengers to complain. It only took us 10 minutes to fix the problem. It’s unbelievable how fast the inside of a plane will cool down, but we have to remember it’s about -60F degrees right outside the window.

Flying during holidays is another story for another day.

 

[hollydolly]

yes I fly in winter just as much as in summer.. can't say I've noticed a huge difference ....

 

[BJintheUK]

I fly my microlights during the summer mainly, although I do like to fly them in winter when it's cold but clear as well. However, the weather at the moment means it's far too windy and wet for me to get them out of the hangar. So they'll stay snug inside for now, but I'm hoping I'll get some flying in before Christmas, as I haven't flown since October 11th, and that was only half an hour.

 

[oldman]

yes I fly in winter just as much as in summer.. can't say I've noticed a huge difference ....

Passengers seldom notice a difference. Here in the U.S., especially in the north, the plane needs less runway to takeoff because the air is denser in cold weather, so the plane can get down the runway faster and takeoff. The engines produce more power and the wings generate more lift.

 

[oldman]

I fly my microlights during the summer mainly, although I do like to fly them in winter when it's cold but clear as well. However, the weather at the moment means it's far too windy and wet for me to get them out of the hangar. So they'll stay snug inside for now, but I'm hoping I'll get some flying in before Christmas, as I haven't flown since October 11th, and that was only half an hour.

Did you build your own plane? Way back when, I built an ultralight plane. It was fun to build and fun to fly.