Flying in winter is nothing like what it is in summer. Longer delays at airports due to snow build-up on the runways, postponed flights due to terrible weather, and generally more expensive flight tickets. But not if you own a private jet. Aside from skipping all the waiting time, what could be more luxurious than flying thousands of feet above the frozen landscape in your own comfy little aircraft? In this blog, Onward Aviation will explore what it’s like flying in winter on your private jet, including certain technical factors.
The perils of winter weather
While private jets offer a luxurious and convenient way to travel in the winter, they are still subject to the same weather conditions as any other type of aircraft. Winter weather can pose many dangers to flying in general, laying a great responsibility in pre-flight checklists and procedures.
One of the biggest dangers of winter weather is ice build-up on the wings and tail. The ice build-up has a chance to disrupt the airflow across the aircraft, affecting performance. In some situations, the ice may sweep into the engine, damaging them. Aircraft are particularly vulnerable during take-off.
Another hazard of winter flying is turbulence. Upper air turbulence is more prevalent in winter since the jet stream comes down lower during the colder months.
While this may not seem like a major issue at first glance, you are much more likely to fly in the darkness during winter. Due to shorter daylight hours and longer nights, your pilots will have less chance of making a visual approach when landing.
While picking the right aircraft and an experienced pilot sounds like efficient workarounds for most of your winter flying issues, picking a reputable FBO is critical. With a lot at stake, it will be in your best interest to lay off the flight planning, deicing, and aircraft maintenance to experts. This is where Onward Aviation comes in. If you are planning a flight with a stop at Hamilton this winter, Onward Aviation is your trusted fixed-based operator to prepare your private aircraft for take-off.
Effects of Snow on flying
If you’ve tried driving in winter, you’ll have a pretty good idea of how bad snow is. The situation is no different with flying. The runway needs to have the snow cleared, and you may be subject to shorter take-offs and landings. In heavy snow conditions, take-offs may have to be postponed even if you charter a private jet. However, as a compromise for the shorter runway lengths typically associated with winter weather, the denser air makes for an easier take-off.
Deicing aircrafts
At Onward Aviation, we have a strict procedure for deicing and anti-icing your aircraft. Put simply, de-icing is the process of removing snow, ice, or frost from a surface. Anti-icing is the process of preventing snow, ice, or frost from forming on a surface. We use type one deicing fluid alongside manual brooming, followed by a visual inspection to ensure your aircraft is ice-free for take-off. We spray your wings with type 4 deicing fluid to ensure you do not have to worry about ice build-up during mid-flight.
Jet fuel in winter
Fuel used for cooler weather is not always the same as fuel used for warmer weather. Jet A fuel, which we use to refuel aircraft through World Fuel Services, is also the most commonly used fuel in Canada. Jet A fuel has a freezing point of -40 Celsius, making it suitable for flights across Canada at the height of winter. Based on your flight plan and requirements, Jet A with additives and added antifreeze can be used as an alternative.
Why flying in winter may yield some benefits.
As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. While flying in winter may seem gloomy and dark, there is an actual plus side to aircraft performance. The cooler air is denser, which allows the engine to generate greater thrust to propel the aircraft forward for the same quantity of fuel. This translates to shorter and quicker take-offs and lower overall fuel consumption mid-flight.
Conclusion
With winter weather in full swing, you would want to stay safe in the skies as you travel across Canada in the freezing cold. Private jets certainly have their advantages over commercial jets, such as cutting the waiting times at airports. However, flying a private jet comes at the serious responsibility of picking your stops well. Onward Aviation at Hamilton, has the equipment and experts to help you plan your flight carefully, while also ensuring your private jet is ready for any long flight. We cater to your crew with our flight lounges, crew rest facilities, and exciting warplane museum tours. With Onward Aviation, you can rest easy knowing that both your aircraft and crew are in good hands.
