papatango269

I am a joy to fly with, and the "need to use your head part" was directed at the original post.

imasaluki

Deleted....

imasaluki

Don't be too skeptical about using your IFR skills in the winter, however, don't go anywhere near SLD/freezing rain conditions. There's a lot to be learned if you're willing to keep flying in the winter. For the first time, I flew my Cherokee quite a bit last winter. Surprisingly, I didn't lose too much utility (compared to all other seasons) and my weather/icing sense probably doubled.

First, don't blast off into low IFR with possible icing conditions. Give yourself a buffer of clear sky between the cloud bases and the ground. I use the published alitude for the IAF of the least desired approach at my departure airport. This is the lowest cloud base I'll accept if I suspect possible icing unless there's a PIREP or my sense of the weather system tells me the layer is thin and not ice laden. If I get into ice, I get out based on the performance of the airplane and forecasted conditions (use the temps in winds aloft forecast to get a guess on the tops). This might be a climb, a descent, a lateral alter in course, or both... there isn't one definite answer. Obviously, you should know where VMC conditions are based on your prior planning and flight path. If you use my tip above, you will have taken off in VMC conditions up to the altitude where an approach will be completed. A complete 180 course reversal might be in store quickly if you can't figure out where VMC conditions are.

Use your common sense and know that most GA aircraft are not approved for known icing conditions. Known icing is usually defined by an icing PIREP or weather observation. Also, don't forget about the increased possibility of induction icing and the effects of terrain on your planning. I think you'll be surprised that just because it's icing conditions, the airplane might not accrue any ice. Again, I don't condone stupidity and definitely don't encourage dangerous or careless flying. I do encourage character building exercise.

The Juice

Yeah, cat fight!!

Settle down guys.

Ewfflyer

Go for it, what's the worst that can happen?

J/k, seriously though, any situation you feel questionable about, seek out a local pilot that has experience with the weather etc... They should be able to give you some insight on the current conditions and what effects they'll have on you.

Feel free to PM me with any info/questions, I flew 135 freight for 2000hrs, and had my fair share of winter flying in Cessna 310's(ableit handled the weather better than any single-piston would)

ryan1234

I'm not a fan of iced up 172's.... personally if I was in your shoes I'd ride a few times with someone like ewfflyer that way when the rubber meets the road or rather the ice meets the wing you don't freeze up (no pun intended)

pushing yourself is a double edge sword.... great lessons you will learn, hopefully you can mitigate the risks evenly...

nothing is quite like feeling the effects of ice on an approach...from something hardly forecasted for... something you'd rather read about

IFly17

Get a good idea of what winter weather in your area consists of. Hang out at the airport and -- OH MY GOD-- talk flying with pilots. Talk to the old-timers who have their IR and have been flying pistons in winter IMC for years. See if you can hitch a ride from them sometime, or have them hitch a ride with you and help show you the ropes. Get tips on local conditions, areas they KNOW for whatever reason may/may not often have ice or areas where inversions form. Pick their brains. They don't even need to be a CFI. A PPL who has been flying his plane in all weather/seasons for 15 years can be a wealth of knowledge.

I caution you to talk to as many people you can find. Be as informed as you can be. Don't put all your eggs in one basket because quite frankly, the one and only guy you talk to if you only talk to only one might be a moron. If he is the only one flying pistons in hard IMC in the winter at your local airport he either knows more then everyone else on field or there might be something wrong with him. What are the chances he knows more then everyone else?

imasaluki

Also, this might be an obvious tip and might not need stating, but make sure all of your equipment is working prior to attempting, well really any, IMC conditions... but especially winter IMC. Do a very thorough preflight.

This would include your Pitot/Static heat, window defrosting/heat, and alternate air source. Also, don't forget about the increased chance of carbon monoxide poisoning with the increased use of cabin heating sources. A CO detector would be a good measure of safety.

Ja189

"Don't fly GA IFR."

HILARIOUS