There are several dangers associated with flying in cold weather, specifically the concern of icing; however, pilots tend to prefer flying in colder conditions because it makes for a more efficient flight. While every season poses its own unique challenges, there are a few reasons that aircraft tend to perform better during winter. While you may not always control the timing of your flights, this blog will explore the benefits of flying in cold weather for those curious about why they prefer winter flights.
The improved winter performance ultimately comes down to air density. Cold air is more dense than warm air, allowing certain functions of flight to operate more efficiently in cold air, such as takeoff, rate of climb, and engine power. Ultimately, the extra power is the most noticeable benefit as it informs the entire performance of the other systems. Denser air means a greater mass of air occupies less volume, so an engine taking in a set volume of air will take in a greater quantity of air matter when the air is colder. This leads to a greater amount of air/fuel mixture which in turn generates more power. This is true for both turbine and internal combustion/reciprocating piston engines, as greater amounts of oxygen enter the engine’s cylinders with each stroke. Other flight systems also benefit from the greater mass to volume ratio of dense air.
Higher air density also improves propeller flights as well. For propeller-driven planes, a greater mass of air is being thrusted through the prop, which means more power is being generated from the same intake volume of air than in warmer conditions. This extra power improves efficiency across multiple systems from the beginning to the end of a flight. For example, during takeoff, extra power increases the rate of climb. It also reduces takeoff roll and gives the wings more lift. In turn, aircraft in colder air can takeoff at lower ground speeds. Consequently, it is not that planes perform better in colder weather, but it is the greater air density leading to engines/ propellers generating more power from the set volume of air they take in.
The accompanying downside to an engine generating more power is that it increases fuel consumption. The denser air your aircraft uses in colder weather contains a greater volume of oxygen. Therefore, a benefit of flying in warmer weather is that flights require less fuel during takeoff; however, they in turn must travel faster and farther for both takeoff and flight.
A few other benefits of winter flights include less turbulence and safer weather. Hot air generates convective heating currents which collide to create bumps in your flight paths. Less convection also lowers the likelihood of thunderstorms, making for a safer, smoother flight. This also lowers humidity, thus improving visibility. Lastly, air traffic is greater in the summer, so winter flights offer smoother, more efficient experiences for pilots and passengers alike.
While winter flights are less turbulent and more efficient, cold temperatures bring their own challenges, so there are a few practices you can take to ensure the safety of your aircraft in cold and freezing temperatures. Simple practices such as rereading the aircraft flight manual’s section on winterization or checking the deicing systems’s functionality can reduce the likelihood of issues in flight. It can also help to switch engine oil to a winter approved product or to add iso-propyl alcohol to the fuel depending on your particular aircraft model. There are endless precautions you can take to maintain safe winter flights, so make sure you get to know your plane and its seasonal needs before deciding to take an enjoyable winter flight.
For any aviation parts you require for your winter flights, Aerospace Orbit is your parts procurement partner. We are owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, allowing us access to an inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts. All of our items are sourced reliably from only top manufacturers we trust, as quality is the cornerstone of our operations. We proudly adhere to a strict NO CHINA sourcing policy so customers can count on us to handle the logistics of their purchasing time and time again. To get started, simply fill out a Request for Quote form and receive a custom quotation from one of our expert team members within 15 minutes!
All Orders are Fulfilled in the U.S.A.
All shipments must comply with U.S.A export laws.
No exceptions.
The only independent distributor
with a NO CHINA SOURCING Pledge
“We Proudly Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that serves United States Military Personal experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Please visit website (www.fallenheroesfund.org) and help in their valiant effort”.
Please Remember to Visit Us Again the Next Time You Need Parts.
Request for Quote