Winter Woes And Joys: Pilot Insights

Travel

I decided to ask him a few questions. He kindly agreed to answer them.

• Can you share a memorable winter flight experience, whether exciting, challenging, or heartwarming?

Absolutely! One unforgettable winter flight was a late evening arrival when, just as we touched down, the airport lit up with its Christmas decorations. The twinkling lights and festive atmosphere transformed the moment into a magical wonderland, leaving everyone on board in awe. It was pure holiday magic!

• What advice would you give aspiring pilots about handling seasonal challenges in aviation?

I think that the most important thing about flying is the planning stage of the flight. The flight always starts before you get into the cockpit. So spend your time planning! There will always be some minor differences but, the better you plan your flight, the better. What’s more, knowing your aircraft’s limit and your own limit is crucial. Knowing what your aircraft can do and more importantly, what it can not do is essential. Furthermore, you have to know and acknowledge yourself. During winter, situations can change quickly. The greatest risks are low visibility and icing for small aircraft and new pilots. Thanks to technology, there are a lot of supporting apps that show the current and forecasted weather around the globe, and they are usually accurate. And lastly but, I think, most importantly, you can not win a fight against nature, so it is better to avoid it.

• What’s one thing passengers should know about winter flying that might help ease their concerns?

Although winter flights can be tricky sometimes, from my point of view, it is more comfortable and relaxing to fly during the cold season. Why so? Cold weather is more stable, which means there will be less turbulence. On top of that, engines tend to produce more thrust when it’s cold outside, so you have a more stronger aircraft. Airlines are strict businesses and have a lot of procedures for everything. Pilots have families too, so we have to stay on the safe side ourselves. Less worrying, you are safe.

• What’s the most rewarding aspect of flying during the winter season?

The best part of flying in winter is to able to see the cities covered with snow. It always relaxes me when I take time to look at the view of snow from a hot spot, with a hot drink. Because snow covers defects, and brings perfection.

• How are pilots checked for sobriety before flights? Do they have to walk a straight line, or is it more high-tech than that?

It usually changes from company to company. To talk about mine, you are randomly picked up to take an alcohol and blood test before a flight. Check-in computers will block you until you go to the medical office, and complete your sobriety tests and your perfect condition is approved by the doctor.

• Do planes have “winter tyres,” or how do they handle icy runways? Asking for a friend who slides around in their car.

No, we don’t, we use the same type of tyres every season. The only change is the limits. The secret is, that we have condition codes for a lot of different cases of condition of the paved surfaces. Our colleagues at the airport will check and measure the status of the runways and taxiways beforehand and will inform us. Accordingly, we use different limits for approach, breaking, taxiing and turning. 

• Do you have a favorite pre-flight ritual for winter flights, or is it all business?

I always bring my hat and gloves for the winter flights. Airport aprons are paved, open areas open to nature without protection ( trees, uphills, buildings). This makes the apron the coldest spot and the hottest spot during summer. Let’s not forget the importance of being courteous to ramp workers. They are one big part of the sustainability of the process.

• Is there a playlist or soundtrack that gets you in the zone for winter flying? Or do you just hum ‘Let It Snow’ in your head?

I don’t have a playlist special for winter. But my colleague is always mumbling some festive tunes. 

• What’s your ultimate pro tip for passengers flying in winter—besides “bring snacks”?

Spend some money on window seats. It is fun to watch the work in the apron and the view during winter. If you are lucky, you can even see the de-icing operation!

• What’s the most “pilot-y” thing you’ve ever said over the radio that made you feel like a pro?

It has always been the “Ready for Departure” radio call. I hope it stays that way and that I do not experience any emergencies in my career.

And as suddenly as he sat down, he suddenly rose and disappeared into the crowd. But thank you, pilot, for sharing your thoughts.

And to you, dear passengers, I wish you a very happy holiday and many flights, and if any flight is ever delayed, just contact SKYCOP.