Winter into Spring
With a methodical determination nature’s transition from winter into spring begins with the first press of soil skyward as the daffodils in New England break the soil’s surface and reach to the sky. Beehives come alive with the prospect of new blossoms to suckle and honey to be made for the year ahead. With all in nature, spring signals a renewal of life and activity. In aviation it signals a renewed interest in flying after a long winter hiatus. With this you need to consider the condition of your aircraft after the winter, active nesting birds and the airport neighbors who after a long winter begin to open their windows and sit in their lawn chairs.
For a few pilots, their aircraft may have wintered over in a nice warm hangar, but for most it has probably lived outdoors on a tie-down all winter long. If you have not flown all winter you need to give the aircraft a thorough inspection and look for any items that might create a safety of flight issue. When you pre-flight make sure you account for all of the engine cowl and nacelle plugs. If one is missing take the time to look inside the engine box. If it is really loose fitting it could have been wind driven into the cowl out of sight after one of the winters Nor’easters. The last thing you need is a fire due to the stuffing in the plug igniting from engine heat or a hot cylinder, because the plug redirected cooling airflow in the cowl.
Over the course of the winter your aircraft will be battered by storms and wind. Nuts, bolts and other hardware can loosen by weather-induced vibration. You should check the tie down hard points and the working line for condition. Go ahead and shake and pull on parts a little and make sure they feel right. Do the same to the flight controls and look carefully at the hinge points and cable connections. Look for play and lubrication. If it has been a particularly wet winter the lubricant can be washed away from hinges. Seek your mechanic’s advice if it looks really dry.
When the temperature is above freezing for a couple of days move the flight controls full travel to drain any water that might have accumulated inside the surfaces. Some aircraft are more prone than others for water collection. If the prop has been horizontal for a long time there is the possibility of water accumulating in the spinner. If it freezes you will have an unbalanced condition. Rotate the prop to the vertical to let it drain. Remember to make sure the Master and Magneto switches are off.
Don’t be afraid to drain plenty of fuel from the sumps to look for water. The last thing you need is that engine failure due to water in the fuel. Loose-fitting fuel caps can allow water to enter the tank. Fuel tanks that are not kept full over long periods of time are more prone to water accumulation because of condensation. While kicking the tires on that walk around check for proper inflation too!
When you open the cowl or nacelles for inspection this spring look for nesting birds. The first few weeks of spring is nature’s calling and nesting can take place in any aircraft and within any nook and cranny they can climb through. Birds can build their nests surprisingly fast so don’t be fooled. Telltale signs are pieces of straw or grass on the ground under your aircraft and birds roosting on your aircraft, or in the immediate vicinity. Look for concentrated areas of droppings on the ground around your aircraft. This may indicate a high volume of traffic flow in and out of the aircraft. Fellow pilots and line folks should take note of bird activity in anyone’s aircraft and let the owner or FBO know. Don’t get trapped into thinking, “I cleaned the nest out of my aircraft yesterday. I should be OK today!” Birds have the uncanny ability to rebuild nests very quickly when they are driven by nature’s calling. You must check before every flight.
As we take flight in the spring we must remain keenly aware of our airport neighbors. With the warmer air of spring and extended daylight our neighbors will begin to open their windows to let in the fresh air and the sounds of spring. The sounds of spring will include propellers from the airport. When heard there will be a renewed awareness of the airport’s presence that will kindle potential complaints. Following established noise abatement procedure and using the calm wind runway will reduce the number of calls the airport receives and help maintain a healthy community relationship. Don’t be afraid to remind the pilots who have been absent all winter to follow the noise abatement procedure. Community relations are dependent on all users, not just the based pilots. Visiting aircraft should review the Airport Facility Directory and follow any recommended or mandatory procedures.
A short article can never cover all the concerns, but it should begin to make you think about your aircraft and airport after the winter. Taking a fresh look at your aircraft before that first flight after the winter will ensure safety for you and your passengers. Follow the pre-flight checklist, but look just a little deeper if the aircraft has not moved all winter. Do a good fuel sump! A mason jar makes a good collector and you can see the water and fuel separate if it is present. The bird hazard is real and should not be taken lightly. Nests in engine cowls have caused in flight fires. Start looking and don’t stop! No one likes a noisy neighbor, so make it a point to be cognizant of the noise procedures at home and at all the airports you visit. Take your time and think safety first as you embark on the first flight from winter into spring.
By James Cowley