Winter may be a very daunting environment for some, but for a private pilot, it's just a change of weather. Every pilot in the general aviation industry is trained to do flights in cold weather, even snow. Barring any severe winter condition, the aviator can get up in the air with his airplane even when it's not a clear day. Of course, there are things that he should take care of before he can take off and start flying during the winter.
Preflights
Preflights are highly important, and much more when it's the winter. It's totally reckless if you just get up there and fly without making sure that the aircraft is in great shape. A thorough pre-flight will reveal problems without you discovering them the hard way, i.e. when you're flying up in the air. It makes the problem less dangerous, and also makes it possible for you to address it right away. Preflight inspections will also enable you to call off the flight, if it's necessary.
In winter, preflights may be difficult if you have an aircraft that is tied up outside. You'd have to brave not only the cold but also the blowing snow which may get annoying after some time. It's only natural that you would want to hurry up and get into the cabin, since there's some heat inside it. However, that shouldn't be the way for you to go because, chances are, you'll leave something out and it might cause problems later on.
Run-Ups
It is taught in flight school that one shouldn't hurry up with flying if the engine isn't warm yet because it can lead to problems. This fact is made more apparent during winter since the cold weather of winter can cause the aircraft to warm up very slowly. So, a private pilot should remember to give the aircraft much more time to get ready to fly. Why not spend some time sitting in the runway or outside the hangar revving the engine up before you start taxiing? It would help a lot with your engine warm up procedure.
Keep these two things in mind and winter flying shouldn't be that tough for you. Oh yeah, don't forget to dress to survive, just in case something does happen. It never hurts to be ready.
Preflights
Preflights are highly important, and much more when it's the winter. It's totally reckless if you just get up there and fly without making sure that the aircraft is in great shape. A thorough pre-flight will reveal problems without you discovering them the hard way, i.e. when you're flying up in the air. It makes the problem less dangerous, and also makes it possible for you to address it right away. Preflight inspections will also enable you to call off the flight, if it's necessary.
In winter, preflights may be difficult if you have an aircraft that is tied up outside. You'd have to brave not only the cold but also the blowing snow which may get annoying after some time. It's only natural that you would want to hurry up and get into the cabin, since there's some heat inside it. However, that shouldn't be the way for you to go because, chances are, you'll leave something out and it might cause problems later on.
Run-Ups
It is taught in flight school that one shouldn't hurry up with flying if the engine isn't warm yet because it can lead to problems. This fact is made more apparent during winter since the cold weather of winter can cause the aircraft to warm up very slowly. So, a private pilot should remember to give the aircraft much more time to get ready to fly. Why not spend some time sitting in the runway or outside the hangar revving the engine up before you start taxiing? It would help a lot with your engine warm up procedure.
Keep these two things in mind and winter flying shouldn't be that tough for you. Oh yeah, don't forget to dress to survive, just in case something does happen. It never hurts to be ready.
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Here's an excellent resource that you might want to check out. This ebook is a good guide in learning about the things you'll encounter when you become a private pilot.
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