Be prepared and winterize your aircraft

Are you prepared?  With a crispness in the air, cold winds around us, and frost on the wings, its time to take care of your plane and prepare it for the cold weather.

Whether your flying it or storing it, here are some tips to keep your plane in tip top shape, from the exterior to your flight instruments.

Tips for storage

– change the oil

– chock the wheels, front and back

– release the parking brake to prevent the brake from seizing, while keeping your aircraft static

– blank the inlets exhaust and vents to reduce the amount of moisture able to get into your engine which can cause corrosion

– apply a canopy cover or a least tie a dust sheet over your cockpit area.  Bird dropping can be quite corrosive and etch the surface if not removed over a period of time

– apply airframe grease

– check that the fuel cocks are closed and master switches are off

– to be thorough, remove your battery

– fill the fuel tanks to avoid build up of condensation in the tanks over winter

– if not in a hangar, ensure your aircraft is secure.  Use tie down points secured to ground anchors, or concrete blocks.  Straps should not be too tight as they may alter in length depending on weather conditions.  You may want to invest into a block heater if you have access to electricity.

Not into flying this winter?

Consider investing into a heated hangar…your plane will love it.  Or while your not flying, treat yourself to an upgrade whether it be a handheld or a full on avionics upgrade,  it’s a great way to start the new year!

 

  

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades like the Garmin GTN series, including installation of everything from a basic VHF Radio and simple Garmin portable GPS all the way to TCAS, EFIS, and autopilot systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and we have over 20,000 unique part numbers in our in inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.